The elimination of malaria in Suriname offers hope for Amazon neighbors

Surinam’s declaration as the first malaria of Amazon’s malaria by the World Health Organization should stimulate other countries in the region affected by illegal mining and high migration, say disease specialists.

The small country on the north -eastern coast of South America is one of the poorest in Latin America, strongly dependent on the extraction of natural resources, such as gold and boxing. Over 90 percent of the land is covered with rainforests.

Roberto Montoya, a regional malaria advisor at Mr. American Health Organization (Paho), who worked intensively in the region, said: “The elimination of malaria in Suropins is a very important milestone, because it shows that it is possible, even in the case of the jungle, extracting in the air and dispersed populations.

The country, which is one of South America with a population of less than 630,000 people, has reached elimination after almost seven decades of work.

Last week (June 30) certification took the sum of Malaria free countries in America to 12, and the global sum of up to 46 plus one territory.

The Amazon region covers nine countries, and its abundant rainforests are an ideal ground for mosquitoes that carry a parasite that transfers malaria.

This makes the achievement of Surinam even more significant, says Montoya.

“Being free from malaria means that our population is no longer exposed to infection with this disease,” said Amar Ramadhin, Minister of Health Suriname in a press statement.

“In addition, the elimination of malaria will have a positive impact on our healthcare sector, increase the economy and improve tourism.”

He emphasized that in order to maintain status, the country would have to carry out continuous supervision.

“We must continue to take the necessary means to prevent the re -introduction of malaria,” he persuaded.

Transmission hotspots

Montoya explained that Surinam used two strategies to obtain a certificate. One reached into the indigenous communities, which often meant a journey to two hours by a river to apply for a diagnosis. The second made contact with legal and illegal miners.

Gold mining and the resulting employee movement is strictly Related to malaria According to Montoya in South America in countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana.

This creates difficult to control transmission parcels.

These independent and incomplete populations follow the procedures, which also leads to retaining problems. “

Roberto Montoya, regional malaria advisor at Mr. American Health Organization

To counteract this, health officials conducted quick diagnostic tests and treatments directly to people.

“Community members, including mining, were trained to manage drugs,” said Paho expert.

“We went to mining camps to create mechanisms to combine these informal actors,” he added.

According to Montoy, the transition from eight -day treatment of Chinin to other drugs from artemisinin in 2005 was also played in the fight against the disease.

Angélica Knudson-Institute, an expert for malaria at the National University of Colombia, emphasized the importance of policy demonstrated by Surinam, which is sometimes lacking.

“Surinam also had a very nice strategy for providing diagnostic sets and treatment, which encourages self-education among miners,” she said.

“This is financial effort and requires the participation of many entities, including owners of mining companies, who must agree.

She added: “These networks must be built to connect so many interested parties. That is why the political will is crucial.”

Risk of reactivation

Malaria spreads through females Anopheles mosquitoes, which carry Plasmodium parasites. These parasites are tapped in the human liver and cause symptoms, including fever, vomiting and anemia.

In the Americas, the most common variant – occurring in three -quarters of cases – differs from a more deadly, dominant on the African continent.

Montoya explained that the dominant variant in the Americas persists after treatment and the parasite may remain dormant in the liver.

“It is more difficult to eliminate, and reactivation can occur after four months. Therefore, more treatment is required, with many days of tablets,” he said.

Other countries of the region on the road to the elimination of malaria are Mexico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and French Guyan.

High loads of the disease persist in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela, as well as in Peru and Haiti.