COLOMBIA: COLOMBIA MALARIA PROJECT
The Colombia Malaria Project is an initiative that involves multiple organizations and operates in 45 municipalities where 70% of Colombia's malaria burden is concentrated. Its accomplishments include creating sustainable local capacity through training for local health workers in malaria prevention and control and improving the well-being of the area's indigenous populations (Zenú, Embera Dóvida, Embera Eyavida, Nasa Kiwe, Guna Dule, Wounnan and Eperara Siapidara) as well as mestizos and Afro-descendant communities. In 2010, Colombia reported more than 115,000 malaria cases, 72% of which originating in these municipalities. By 2012, the number of reported cases had declined by nearly 50%.
BRAZIL: SECRETARIAT OF HEALTH OF THE STATE OF ACRE
The Secretariat of Health of the State of Acre, Brazil was recognized for its leadership in reducing malaria and its innovative efforts to address other health problems, including lymphatic filariasis and Chagas disease. In 2012, some 26,000 malaria cases were reported, a significant reduction in comparison with six years earlier. This is the third year that the program has been named a Malaria Champion of the Americas, and special recognition was given for its sustained excellence in malaria efforts.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: NATIONAL CENTER FOR CONTROL OF TROPICAL DISEASES (CENCET)
The National Center for Control of Tropical Diseases (CENCET) of the Dominican Republic was recognized for its innovative use of technology in addressing each malaria case individually, for its close collaboration with stakeholders and non-health sectors (tourism, agricultural, construction), and for integrated vector management that also contributes to dengue control and lymphatic filariasis elimination. Between 2007 and 2012, the burden of malaria in the Dominican Republic declined by more than 78%. CENCET received a special citation for innovative cross-border efforts and linkages.