Title: Belize Achieves Malaria-Free Status, WHO Certifies
Date: June 21, 2023
(Reuters) – The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially certified Belize as a malaria-free country, marking a significant milestone in the Central American nation’s 70-year-long battle against the disease. Belize has successfully eradicated indigenous cases of malaria, with the number of reported cases dropping from approximately 10,000 in 1994 to zero in 2019.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, hailed Belize as “another example of how, with the right tools and the right approach, we can dream of a malaria-free future.” The achievement reflects the unwavering commitment and tireless efforts of the Belizean government and its healthcare system.
Belize’s strategy to combat malaria involved close collaboration with the Belize Vector Ecology Center, which played a crucial role in analyzing data on the density and distribution of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. The country also promoted the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and trained community workers to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
Furthermore, Belize’s success in eliminating malaria was greatly facilitated by its collaboration with neighboring countries, Mexico and Guatemala. The WHO emphasized the importance of this regional cooperation in achieving the malaria-free status.
With this certification, Belize becomes the fourth country in the Americas and the second in Central America to be declared free of malaria in the past five years. Dr Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization, expressed his satisfaction with Belize’s achievement, highlighting the significance of this milestone for the region.
The WHO has now certified a total of 42 countries and one territory as having successfully eradicated malaria. This accomplishment underscores the global progress in the fight against the disease and serves as an inspiration for other nations striving to eliminate malaria.
Belize’s achievement in becoming malaria-free demonstrates the effectiveness of comprehensive strategies, strong partnerships, and sustained efforts in combating infectious diseases. The country’s success story serves as a beacon of hope for a future where malaria is eradicated worldwide.
belize malaria risk
Belize Makes History: Declared Malaria-Free by WHO
June 21, 2023
(Reuters) – In a momentous achievement, Belize has officially been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a malaria-free country. This milestone marks the end of a 70-year-long battle against the disease in this Central American nation. Belize’s commendable efforts have led to the eradication of indigenous malaria cases, with reported cases dropping from around 10,000 in 1994 to zero in 2019.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, praised Belize as a shining example of what can be achieved with the right tools and approach in the fight against malaria. This victory is a testament to the relentless dedication and hard work of the Belizean government and its healthcare system.
Belize’s successful strategy in combating malaria involved a close partnership with the Belize Vector Ecology Center, which played a crucial role in analyzing data on the density and distribution of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. The country also promoted the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and provided training to community workers to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
The collaboration between Belize, Mexico, and Guatemala also played a vital role in Belize’s success. The WHO emphasized the significance of this regional cooperation in achieving the malaria-free status.
With this certification, Belize becomes the fourth country in the Americas and the second in Central America to be declared free of malaria in the past five years. Dr Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization, expressed his satisfaction with Belize’s achievement, highlighting the importance of this milestone for the region.
In total, the WHO has certified 42 countries and one territory as having successfully eliminated malaria. This remarkable accomplishment highlights the global progress in the fight against this disease and serves as an inspiration for other nations striving to eliminate malaria.
Belize’s remarkable journey to becoming malaria-free highlights the effectiveness of comprehensive strategies, strong partnerships, and sustained efforts in combating infectious diseases. Its success story is a beacon of hope for a future where malaria is eradicated worldwide.
