Nicaragua has been recognized by the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), as a champion in the battle to eradicate malaria for its program of community vigilance against malaria in 2011. The Ministry of Health received the letter of tribute from Dr. Mirta Roses, director of PAHO, on Jan. 17. The Health Ministry coordinates volunteer health brigades that go door-to-door in communities educating residents about eliminating standing water and other mosquito abatement measures. That resulted in a decrease in malaria cases over five years from 6,659 in 2006 to 664 in 2010. In 2011 there were no reported cases in 90 of Nicaragua’s 153 municipalities. Health Minister Dr. Sonia Castro said that the Nicaraguan model can be reproduced effectively in other countries. (Radio La Primerisima, Jan. 18, 19)
* From Nicaragua News Bulletin (US.)