Suriname reached a landmark public health achievement by achieving and sustaining malaria elimination certification, becoming the first country in the Amazon region to reach this milestone, with sustained technical cooperation from PAHO. 

Beyond certification, PAHO supported the strengthening of post elimination capacity to prevent reestablishment through enhanced surveillance and response systems. This included training of health personnel and the provision of essential equipment, medicines, and 10 000 diagnostic test kits to enable timely case detection, investigation, and response. PAHO also facilitated continued cross border and regional collaboration, including the Suriname–Guyana partnership and engagement in regional technical coordination mechanisms, reinforcing coordinated prevention of reintroduction. 

These actions ensured that elimination gains were institutionalized within routine health system functions, strengthened community and border surveillance, and reduced vulnerability to resurgence. The achievement contributes to sustained zero indigenous malaria transmission, protects hard won health gains, and serves as a regional model for the Disease Elimination Initiative, demonstrating how long term technical cooperation can translate into durable population level impact.

Photo caption:  Malaria testing in the interior by a malaria service deliverer.
Credit: Rafael Jantz