Combating Malaria on the Mosquito Coast

 
In three years, the number of malaria cases in Ahuas decreased by 83.4%
 
The department of Gracias a Dios, also known as La Mosquitia, is located on the northeastern region of Honduras. It is the most isolated region of Honduras with its six municipalities only accesible by river or air. Malaria is endemic in the region and its mix of geographic, environmental and cultural factors present unique challenges when it comes to combating the disease.
In 2009, of the 9,219 cases of malaria reported in Honduras, Gracias a Dios contributed 43% of them (3,979 cases). In one of the muncipalities, Ahuas, there were 811 cases (20% of the total for the región). In response, Global Communities with support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and the National Malaria Program in Honduras, prioritized the region to implement malaria prevention and control interventions.
In 2009, the Global Communities launched the first distribution of Long Lasting Impregnated Nets (LLINs), focusing on universal coverage. Despite contraints, like an insufficient number of nets, strong participation by community members and local organizations helped make the intervention a success.
In 2012, the department of Gracias a Dios contributed only 22% of total malaria cases reported in Honduras. At the same time the municipality of Ahuas contributed only 4.8% of malaria cases of malaria within the department –  a 83.4% decrease within three years. 
Read more about Global Communities’ malaria prevention activities in Honduras: 
Meeting Bill Clinton – One day in Ahuàs, Honduras
Communities at the Forefront of Preventing Malaria in Honduras