Suriname Achieves Malaria-Free Certification from WHO
Suriname has made history by becoming the first country in the Amazon region to receive malaria-free certification from the World Health Organization (WHO). This significant milestone comes after nearly seven decades of dedicated efforts by the government and people of Suriname to eradicate malaria throughout its vast rainforests and diverse communities.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, commended Suriname on this remarkable achievement, emphasizing the importance of universal access to malaria diagnosis and treatment for all individuals. With Suriname’s certification, the total number of countries and territories recognized as malaria-free by WHO now stands at 46, including 12 countries in the Region of the Americas.
Dr Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), praised Suriname’s commitment to health equity and emphasized the significance of eliminating malaria for future generations. Certification of malaria elimination is granted by WHO when a country demonstrates, beyond doubt, the interruption of indigenous transmission nationwide for at least three consecutive years.
Minister of Health of Suriname, Dr Amar Ramadhin, highlighted the positive impact of achieving malaria-free status on the population’s health, economy, and tourism sector. He also stressed the importance of ongoing vigilance to prevent the reintroduction of malaria and protect the hard-won gains.
Suriname’s journey to elimination began in the 1950s with malaria control efforts in the coastal areas, followed by a shift to the forested interior where indigenous and tribal communities reside. Despite challenges such as limited impact of indoor spraying in traditional homes and an increase in malaria cases due to mining activities, Suriname persevered with the support of global initiatives like the Global Fund and PAHO-led studies.
By 2006, Suriname had significantly reduced malaria among indigenous populations and focused on reaching high-risk mobile populations in remote mining areas. The establishment of a network of Malaria Service Deliverers from mining communities played a crucial role in providing diagnosis, treatment, and prevention services to hard-to-reach regions.
Sustained leadership commitment, funding, and cross-border collaboration with neighboring countries have been instrumental in Suriname’s success in eliminating malaria. The country’s certification as malaria-free is a testament to the possibility of achieving elimination in challenging contexts like the Amazon basin.
Suriname’s achievement aligns with PAHO’s Disease Elimination Initiative, which aims to eliminate malaria and other communicable diseases in the Americas by 2030. This milestone marks a significant step towards a malaria-free future for Suriname and sets an example for other countries striving to combat this deadly disease.
In conclusion, Suriname’s certification as malaria-free by WHO is a momentous occasion that highlights the country’s dedication to public health and serves as an inspiration for global malaria elimination efforts.
Note: The original content was distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of WHO. For more information on WHO’s malaria-free certification process, visit this link.
