Malaria Champions of the Americas 2014

DOMINCAN REPUBLIC: NATIONAL CENTER FOR CONTROL OF TROPICAL DISEASES (CENCET)

The Dominican Republic's National Center for Control of Tropical Diseases (CENCET) developed a strategic plan to eliminate malaria from the island of Hispaniola. The plan is being implemented in coordination with Haiti and includes integrated vector control that targets dengue as well as malaria, and that promotes collaboration with other sectors, including tourism, agriculture and construction. The plan contributed to a 39% decline in malaria cases from 2012 to 2013 and helped control dengue during a major epidemic in the Americas. 

 

GUATEMALA: SOUTHWEST PETÉN HEALTH PROGRAM 

Guatemala's Southwest Petén Health Program for vector control efforts helped reduce both malaria and dengue by empowering communities to clean up domestic environments and use bed nets, and emphasized private and public sector participation, early diagnosis and treatment, and health promotion and health education. The program has helped reduce malaria cases in the area from 3,418 in 2006 to 35 in 2013. 

 

HONDURAS: INTEGRATED MALARIA CONTROL PROGRAM OF JOSÉ SANTOS GUARDIOLA, DEPARTMENT OF ISLAS DE LA BAHÍA 

In Honduras, the Integrated Malaria Control program of José Santos Guardiola, a municipality in the Department of Islas de la Bahía, employed a model borrowed from a malaria program in the municipality of Wampusirpi that was named a Malaria Champion of the Americas in 2011. The program has emphasized 100% coverage of the population with insecticide-treated bed nets, local support for surveillance activities, early diagnosis and prompt treatment, and a strong community education and involvement component. All actions have been carried out with the support of community volunteers. Since the program began, malaria cases have declined from 163 in 2011 to 5 cases in 2013.