Page 176 - Resúmen - XXV Congreso Latinoamericano de Parasitología - FLAP

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Malaria Elimination in Belize: Successes, Challenges and Future Directions

Donovan K. Leiva
Belize Vector and Ecology Center, Orange Walk Town, Belize C.A.

Belize, though a small nation within Central America, faces grand challenges in public health. In the past,
malaria was rampant throughout the country with high and stable number of reported cases from 1960 to
the early 2000’s. From 2001 to 2018 there has been a drastic 99% decline in reported cases with only 7
reported in 2018. This success due, in part, to routine indoor residual spraying campaigns and ongoing
investigation of fever cases by the traditional malaria volunteer coordinators organized and implemented
by the Ministry of Health. Belize was certified to be in the pre-elimination phase since 2015. Belize, along
with other members in the region, remains committed to the WHO malaria elimination goals by 2020. In
order for this to occur, a sustainable means to halt transmission in remaining foci is necessary while
responding to cases in a timelier manner. This presentation will provide current characterization of malaria
status in Belize, describe challenges to success of control strategies being implemented to control malaria
as well as provide considerations regarding collaborative academic-government partnerships that enhance
entomological surveillance and community education for malaria elimination.

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