The donation is aimed at strengthening Suriname’s efforts to maintain its malaria-free status. The RDTs were officially handed over by

Doctor Rosmond Adams, Advisor Health Systems and Services on behalf of PAHO/WHO Representative Doctor Yafflo Ouattara. Adams emphasized that although Suriname successfully eliminated malaria last year it would be essential to remain cautious in order to keep malaria from popping up again. He pointed out that permanent surveillance, swift diagnostic and persistent awareness campaigns for mobile groups, border populations and communities that reside in remote areas that are almost inaccessible are of crucial importance. Adams confirmed that the PAHO is committed to collaborating with the Health Ministry and national partners to maintain Suriname’s malaria-free status. He also encouraged Suriname to also focus on the PAHO Disease Elimination Initiative 2030 which is aimed at eliminating more than 30 communicable diseases in the American region. Adams explained that Suriname’s successful fight against malaria shows that it is also capable of achieving success when it comes to eliminating other diseases. Marthelise Eersel, head of Suriname’s National Malaria Program expressed gratitude for the donation from the PAHO and pointed out that the RDTs will strengthen the surveillance and early detection efforts so that health officials can respond swiftly to suspected malaria cases especially in risk areas. Malaria is a life-threatening disease spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes. It is mostly found in tropical countries. It is preventable and curable. The infection is caused by a parasite and does not spread from person to person. Symptoms can be mild or life-threatening. Mild symptoms are fever, chills and headache. Severe symptoms include fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing. Malaria can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and with medicines. Treatments can stop mild cases from getting worse. Malaria mostly spreads to people through the bites of some infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Blood transfusion and contaminated needles may also transmit malaria. The first symptoms may be mild, similar to many febrile illnesses, and difficulty to recognize as malaria. Left untreated, P. falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness and death within 24 hours.