Washington, DC, 24 April 2015 (PAHO) — Malaria initiatives that have contributed to the achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eligible to compete in this year's "Malaria Champions of the Americas" contest, which gets under way on World Malaria Day, April 25. Nominations may be submitted until June 22.
Currently in its seventh year, the annual search for the Malaria Champions of the Americas aims to identify and honor innovative efforts that have demonstrated success in malaria prevention, control, elimination, or prevention of reintroduction, and that have significantly contributed to overcoming the challenges of malaria in communities, countries, or the Americas as a whole.
The awards are sponsored by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health (MISPH), and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Communication Programs (JHU-CCP). The United Nations Foundation also joins this year's search as partner and co-presenter.
Malaria on the decline
In the Americas, deaths from malaria declined 78% between 2000 and 2013, and the number of cases declined by 64%. Eighteen of the 21 malaria-endemic countries in the region are on track to achieve a 75% reduction in their case incidence rates by 2015, as called for by the MDGs.
The theme of World Malaria Day is "Invest in the Future. Defeat Malaria." The campaign seeks to raise awareness of how increased measures for prevention and control have led to dramatic reductions in the burden of malaria in many places throughout the world.
To mark the final year for the achievement of the MDGs, the 2015 Malaria Champions of the Americas will recognize malaria initiatives that have contributed to achievement of MDG targets, including those related to malaria as well as targets related to other MDGs (eradication of extreme poverty, promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women, reduction of child mortality, improvement of maternal health, development of a global partnership for development, etc.). Nominations will be evaluated based on demonstrated achievements in capacity building, innovation and equity, collaboration, and impact.
Winners of the 2015 Malaria Champion of the Americas award will receive:
- The opportunity to participate in three PAHO capacity-building trainings for malaria prevention, control and elimination
- A US$2,500 funding support for malaria-related capacity-building efforts (e.g., staff training/education, research, project proposal development, or other activities that enhance skills and abilities to achieve goals and targets)
- A commemorative plaque
- The opportunity to be featured in various communication platforms of PAHO, UN Foundation, GWU-MISPH, and JHU-CCP as a "best practice" story on malaria.
Nominations for the 2015 Malaria Champions of the Americas will be accepted from 25 April to 22 June 2015. Top winners will be recognized during the commemoration of Malaria Day in the Americas in November 2015.
Previous awardees have included:
- The Centro Nacional de Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (CENCET) in the Dominican Republic, recognized in 2014 for outstanding and sustained achievements in reducing the burden of malaria, towards the goal of eliminating local transmission of the disease and contributing to lymphatic filariasis elimination activities and the control of dengue
- The Fundación Universidad de Antioquia (FUA) — Fondo Financiero de Proyectos de Desarrollo (FONADE) of Colombia, recognized in 2013 for successful efforts in increasing access to early diagnosis, adequate treatment, among other activities, which effectively reached indigenous populations, mestizos and Afro-descendant communities
- The National Malaria Program of Paraguay, recognized in 2012 for outstanding achievements in reducing the burden of malaria towards elimination of local transmission, among other activities.
Other past awardees include the Municipality of Wampusirpi in the Department of Gracias a Dios, Honduras (2011); the National Malaria Board of Suriname (2010); and the National Service for Control of Arthropod-Transmitted Diseases in Ecuador's Ministry of Health and the Project for Malaria Control in Andean Border Areas of the Andean Health Organization (2009). Other honorees have included Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, and Nicaragua.
PAHO, founded in 1902, works with all the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of their peoples. It also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The United Nations Foundation builds public-private partnerships to address the world's most pressing problems and broadens support for the United Nations through advocacy and public outreach. Through innovative campaigns and initiatives, the Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The Nothing But Nets campaign, a global, grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, was launched by the United Nations Foundation in 2006.
The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health carries out innovative research and scholarly service activities to meet the evolving challenges of the 21st century global health and development environment. Working with a diverse group of partners, the Center aims to strengthen the link between science and policy and to improve responses to critical health issues around the world.
JHU-CCP is a global leader in the field of strategic health communication and knowledge management with active programs in more than 30 countries worldwide as well as the U.S. JHU-CCP partners with organizations worldwide to advance knowledge in the field of health communication. It is part of the School's Department of Health, Behavior and Society.
