Situation of Malaria in the Region of the Americas, 2000-2012

Following the trend in 2011, malaria continued to decrease in 2012 after having increased in 2010 and 2009. Compared to the previous year, there was a 5% decline in 2012, less than the 27% observed in 2011. Since 2000, the Region of the Americas has decreased malaria morbidity by 60%. This decrease has been slightly greater in Plasmodium falciparum and mixed infections (62%) than in P. vivax infections (60%). Of the 21 malaria endemic countries in the region, 13 have already reached the Millennium Development Goal (MDG)-6 of 75% reduction in malaria morbidity by the year 2015 compared to the year 2000. Another 5 countries are on the way of meeting their MDG goal in the coming years.