Latin America: Beating back malaria

Progress against malaria in Latin America has made promising strides, with most countries meeting the Millennium Development Goal target of reducing malaria incidence and deaths by 75% between 2000 and 2015.

There is still work to be done, but elimination in this region is within reach. To achieve elimination and prevent resurgence will require collaboration between advocates and activists, researchers, health workers and those in between. If you or someone you know are working to defeat malaria in this region, we want to hear about it!

Below are some of the first nominees. Make sure you add your voice to the selection process – introduce us to other malaria heroes in Latin America!

• Jaime Chang is the coordinator for the Amazon Malaria Initiative, with many years’ experience in fighting the disease. Using all tools available – including social media – he has been part of the call for multisectoral engagement on malaria.
   
• Anna Surinyach is a photographer, using her skills in advocacy for health and development concerns, including malaria. She also uses Twitter in Spanish for malaria-related advocacy.
   
• Paola Marchesini has worked to fight malaria for many years, most recently at the National Malaria Control Program for Brazil’s Ministry of Health. According to one endorser, she “relentlessly supports” Brazil’s efforts against malaria.

A great start to the Latin America list, click here to nominate your regional malaria hero too.

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