WHO certified Suriname malaria-free, a first for Amazon region

Suriname has been certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization, becoming the first country in the Amazon region to achieve this status. This marks a significant public health accomplishment. The certification follows nearly 70 years of effort, with the last locally transmitted case of malaria recorded in 2021. Suriname implemented widespread testing, treatment, and community engagement to eliminate the disease. This achievement highlights the possibility of malaria elimination in challenging environments and contributes to the WHO's goal of eliminating malaria in the Americas by 2030. The country will continue to monitor and prevent reintroduction.