21 June 2023 – The World Health Organization (WHO) has actually licensed Belize as malaria-free, following the nation’s over 70 years of ongoing efforts to mark out the illness.
“WHO praises individuals and federal government of Belize and their network of worldwide and regional partners for this accomplishment”, stated Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Belize is another example of how, with the right tools and the ideal method, we can imagine a malaria-free future.”
With today’s statement, an overall of 42 nations and 1 area have actually been licensed as malaria-free by WHO, consisting of 11 nations in the Region of the Americas.
“Following the accomplishment of Paraguay, Argentina, and El Salvador, Belize today ends up being the 4th nation in the Americas and the 2nd in Central America to be licensed as without malaria over the last 5 years,” PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa stated. “This is an extra-ordinary accomplishment for Belize, and will likewise work as motivation for the other endemic nations in the Americas.”
Reliable financial investments in malaria control
Over the last 3 years, Belize has actually attained a remarkable decrease in its malaria problem– from a peak of about 10 000 cases in 1994 to absolutely no native cases in 2019. Belize’s success has actually depended upon strong monitoring for malaria, access to medical diagnosis, and efficient vector control techniques consisting of insecticide-treated mosquito internet and indoor spraying of insecticides. Trained neighborhood health employees have actually played an essential function in prompt medical diagnosis and treatment.
In 201