Dominican Republic reinforces regional alliance for Malaria elimination

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic brought together health authorities, international organizations, and representatives from nine Latin American and Caribbean countries for a regional meeting aimed at accelerating malaria elimination and strengthening health system cooperation across the region.

Organized by the Ministry of Health, the National Health Service, and the Inter-American Development Bank under the Regional Initiative for Malaria Elimination (IREM), the event welcomed delegations from Honduras, Panama, Colombia, Belize, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. Participants exchanged experiences, reviewed progress, and coordinated strategies to achieve the regional goal of eliminating malaria by 2027.

Health Minister Víctor Atallah highlighted the country’s progress in reducing malaria transmission through strengthened epidemiological surveillance, early diagnosis, timely treatment, and community engagement. He emphasized that regional cooperation remains essential, as infectious diseases transcend national borders.

The meeting also addressed broader health priorities, including improving access to high-cost medicines, strengthening resilient health systems, and advancing programs to prevent and manage chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.

According to IDB officials, participating countries have significantly improved response times, with more than 80% of malaria patients now receiving treatment within 24 hours of diagnosis. The Dominican Republic was recognized for achieving 82% of the initiative’s performance indicators, placing it among the region’s top-performing countries in malaria control and prevention.

Participants concluded that sustained political commitment, financing, scientific research, and stronger surveillance systems will be critical to eliminating malaria and improving public health outcomes throughout the region.