El Salvador and Belize are reinforcing their public health systems to maintain their malaria-free status by strengthening disease surveillance, expanding digital health tools, and improving rapid response capabilities. Following their World Health Organization certification as malaria-free countries, both nations are focusing on preventing the reestablishment of the disease, particularly in a region with high cross-border population movement.
Supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and international partners through the Regional Malaria Elimination Initiative in Mesoamerica and the Dominican Republic (RMEI), both countries have adopted strategies to improve early detection, timely treatment, and continuous monitoring of imported malaria cases.
El Salvador, certified malaria-free in 2021, has not reported any locally transmitted malaria cases since 2018. To sustain elimination, the country has integrated a digital alert system into its national electronic health records, enabling healthcare providers to identify suspected malaria cases based on symptoms and recent travel history. The system helps ensure prompt diagnostic testing and rapid treatment while maintaining clinical awareness in a low-incidence environment.
Belize, which achieved malaria-free certification in 2023, has focused on strengthening surveillance and improving key health performance indicators. The country has significantly increased diagnostic testing for suspected cases, enhanced the quality of laboratory reporting, ensured rapid treatment for confirmed cases, and expanded vector control measures, including insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying.
Both countries demonstrate that maintaining malaria-free status requires continuous vigilance rather than reactive measures. Their investments in digital innovation, surveillance systems, trained health workers, and community engagement highlight the importance of proactive public health strategies to prevent the return of malaria and protect future generations.
The IDB notes that these efforts provide a valuable model for other countries seeking to sustain disease elimination through strong health systems, technological innovation, and regional cooperation.
