Oct 2, 2026
2 min read
Amazon countries have identified malaria elimination, Indigenous Peoples' health and disease surveillance as priority areas for regional cooperation, following a meeting convened by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 63rd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), under Guyana's Pro Tempore Presidency of the Special Commission on Health in the Amazon (CESAM). Guyana assumed the presidency on September 8.
Guyana, Bolivia, Suriname and Venezuela took part in person, while Brazil joined virtually. PAHO and the Permanent Secretariat of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) also attended.
Dr Anthony called for regional dialogue to be translated into concrete actions with measurable results for Amazon communities. Participants also named hepatitis B and C, intercultural health and epidemiological surveillance as priorities.
Malaria
Suriname's Director of Health Dr Rakesh Gajadhar-Sukul outlined how his country eliminated local malaria transmission through community-based diagnosis, rapid response and timely treatment. Suriname said it is willing to share these practices with other ACTO member countries.
ACTO is developing a proposal to support the exchange, including a possible technical workshop in Suriname with help from cooperation partners.
Indigenous and community health
Bolivia's Health and Sports Minister Marcela Tatiana Flores Zambrana highlighted the difficulties facing Indigenous populations and communities far from health services, as well as the health impacts of mercury contamination linked to gold mining.
Brazil reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation on Indigenous health and infectious diseases.
Venezuela's Vice Minister for Comprehensive Health Dr Noly Coromoto Fernández Hernández stressed the importance of culturally appropriate care, traditional knowledge and community participation. She also called for stronger joint surveillance and early warning mechanisms for malaria, dengue and onchocerciasis.
PAHO said it will continue to provide technical cooperation that respects the cultures and needs of Indigenous communities.
