Belize City, Belize, August 16, 2022 (PAHO) - As Belize prepares to be certified as a malaria-free country later this year, for the elimination and post-elimination phase, it is critical that microscopists maintain a high level of competency and that policies and procedures are set in place to ensure the accurate diagnosis of the disease.
The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Belize in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness conducted a two-week training workshop with microscopists at the various health regions throughout the country. PAHO/WHO provided technical guidance and finalization of the Standard Operating Procedures for malaria diagnosis to ensure the early detection of cases and reduce the risk of disease transmission while sustaining capacities for prevention of re-establishment.
PAHO/WHO and the Ministry of Health and Wellness continue to work together as part of its commitment to the Regional Malaria Elimination Initiative (RMEI), efforts to improve diagnostic capacity and improve the quality of malaria diagnostic services in the country are implementing a series of training to further equip the microscopists of the network in the parasitological diagnosis of malaria.
Belize has reported zero indigenous cases for the last three consecutive years.
