Webinar on the Plan of Action for Malaria Elimination in the Americas 2026–2030

Introduction

As part of PAHO’s Regional Disease Elimination Initiative, the Plan of Action for Malaria Elimination in the Americas 2026–2030 serves as a framework to guide policy and strategy changes, promote the adoption of new interventions, and strengthen partnerships to set the Region on the path toward malaria elimination.

Making treatment accessible to communities is the key change, made possible by expanding the use of available technologies and calling on multiple stakeholders to play an active role in the early diagnosis and treatment of malaria. With the political commitment of countries and the renewed interest of technical and financial partners, PAHO envisions 2026-2030 as a period of strategic changes and epidemiological progress in the fight against malaria in the Americas.

Under the theme of World Malaria Day 2026, “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.” PAHO and UNF are calling on all stakeholders to join forces in the effort to eliminate malaria in the Americas.

Through this webinar on the Plan of Action for Malaria Elimination in the Americas 2026–2030, PAHO, with support from UNF, seeks to disseminate the Plan of Action and share country experiences in expanding access to malaria diagnosis and treatment.

Agenda

1:00 pm - 1:05 pm

Welcome and introduction 

Maria Paz Ade, Regional Malaria Diagnostics and Supply Management Advisor (PAHO) – Moderator

1:05 pm - 1:10 pm

Opening remarks 

Michael Charles, Chief Executive Officer, RBM Partnership to End Malaria - Video

1:10 pm - 1:25 pm

Presentation of the Plan of Action for Malaria Elimination in the Americas 2026-2030

Roberto Montoya, Regional Malaria Advisor (PAHO)

1:25 pm - 1:55 pm

Panel on: Challenges and Achievements in Expanding Access to Malaria Diagnosis and Treatment Through Community Participation 

Moderator: Patricia Sanchez, Director, Global Health (UNF) 

Panelists: 
- Carmen Perez, Head of the Vector Control Department, Ministry of Health, Panama
- Kimberly Hernández, Focal Point of the Surveillance Unit of the Matina Canton Health District, Ministry of Health, Costa Rica
- Iván Cárdenas, Malaria Coordinator, Office of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Colombia

1:55 pm - 2:00 pm

Closing Remarks

Maria Paz Ade, Regional Malaria Diagnostics and Supply Management Advisor (PAHO) – Moderator