Malaria in Latin America

Throughout history, epidemics have plagued individuals taking millions of lives. In modern times, however, the development of vaccinations has alleviated much of the devastation these illnesses have caused. There are vaccinations for numerous infectious diseases including malaria, small pox, and Lyme disease. Despite this fact, many people in Latin America do not have access to these vital treatments. Malaria, in particular, continues to be a growing problem for many Latin American citizens. The areas hit the hardest with the vector are tropical environments with high humidity. According to R. Mansell Prothero of the University of Liverpool, “the mortality risk is greatest in Guyana, French Guinea, Surinam, and Brazil which have the highest proportions (over 40 percent) of cases of falciparum malaria, the most deadly species of the disease.”

Malaria eradication projects in Central and South America face many obstacles. One of the initial plans for eradication brought on by the World Health Organization included spraying insecticides and the use of anti malaria drugs. Both of these measures have only been put into practice only in areas of dire need. Funding eradication projects throughout the continent is almost impossible because of the high costs of medication and chemicals to eliminate the disease.

The spread of malaria can be attributed to individuals migrating throughout Latin America. Prothero states that “in many instances movements of population assist in the transmission of malaria and interfere with programs for malaria control and for the general improvement of health.” People who are already infected run the risk of spreading the disease while those who are not infected my come in contact with the disease in a new area. It is also more difficult for integral eradication projects to be put in place when populations are mobile.

In recent years, an even greater threat to eradication has come about. Antimicrobial resistance to drugs has made it difficult to treat patients with malaria. Access to treatment is a minuscule problem when resistance to such drugs is becoming a fast growing problem in many of these areas. According to the U.S. Pharmacopeia organization, “antimicrobial resistance has several root causes including environmental changes, rapid population growth, and the adaptation of the microbes themselves.” When treatments are available the misuse of drugs and the poor quality of medication further heighten the severity of the problem. For instance if someone begins to use antibiotics for treatment and does not complete the dosage, the parasitic infection will gain a resistance to the medication. This is in part due to the lack of basic medical education many citizens who are exposed to the disease unfortunately have.

Eradication and many other efforts to stop the spread of disease like malaria are continuing an ongoing struggle. As more and more people are affected each day it is imperative that preventative measures be taken. Also, it is important that people recognize that malaria and many other tropical diseases still plague much of the tropical regions of Latin America.