Strong use of gender, ethnicity, human rights, health promotion, primary heath care, and social protection frameworks
WINNER – HONDURAS: WAMPUSIRPI EN LUCHA CONTRA LA MALARIA – MANEJO INTEGRAL DE LA MALARIA EN UN MUNICIPIO DE ALTO RIESGO EN EL DEPARTAMENTO DE GRACIAS A DIOS
Wampusirpi is located in the department of Gracias a Dios, which is in the department with the highest incidence of malaria in the country as well as Central America. It is reported that almost 88% of Plasmodium falciparum cases reported in Central America in 2008 were from this department. There are many indigenous people in the municipality and even though Spanish is the dominant language, Miskito is also widely-spoken. The municipality is difficult to access, has virtually no infrastructure, experiences frequent flooding, and is surrounded by tropical forest on all sides, all of which contributes to the difficulties of controlling malaria.
TOP FINALIST – NICARAGUA: PROGRAMA VIGILANCIA COMUNITARIA DE LA MALARIA MEDIANTE SITIOS CENTINELA
At selected sentinel sites where malaria has been reported during the previous three years, systematic surveys are developed by the Network of Community Volunteers and Partners and health teams to assess local disease transmission with emphasis placed on the attitudes and behaviors of the community as it relates to malaria control. Data was obtained which examined the use of bed nets and measured pre-existing knowledge about malaria with a focus on pregnant women, mothers, and children under the age of five.
TOP FINALIST – BRAZIL: PROGRAMA ESTADUAL DE CONTROLE DA MALARIA DO ACRE SUSAM BRAZIL
In response to a major malaria epidemic in 2006, the state of Acre sought assistance from the National Malaria Control to integrate programs to include malaria in order to improve standard health care. This was accomplished by developing a local strategy of social mobilization and health education in various municipalities, increasing the usage of rapid tests in areas that are difficult to access, ensuring systematic supervision of diagnosis and surveillance services, carrying out vector control strategies through the rational use of insecticides, and others.