Costa Rica is the Americas Malaria Champion for 2024

The Malaria Champions Prize was bestowed upon the Northern Huetar Region of Costa Rica for its exemplary endeavours in malaria control and elimination in the Americas. The recognition was conferred during an event held by Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to celebrate Malaria Day in the Americas. During the event, the community and public health authorities of Huetar were acknowledged for their success in reducing malaria cases and for their contributions to enhancing access to diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The prize was presented to the country in acknowledgement of the noteworthy reduction in native cases across the Northern Huetar Region over recent years. The number of cases has fallen significantly, with a decrease from 378 in 2022 to 128 in 2023, and only eight reported cases as of early October 2024. This progress towards the elimination of autochthonous malaria transmission is highly encouraging. This success is thanks to several strategies, including testing for malaria in health services, using rapid tests; volunteers helping; and testing in farms and mines, with cases treated quickly at work. A drug campaign was also held in some communities.