Guyana leads Amazon health talks on malaria, Indigenous health

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has convened representatives from Amazon countries to strengthen regional cooperation on malaria elimination, Indigenous Peoples’ health and disease surveillance.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 63rd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), under Guyana’s Pro Tempore Presidency of the Special Commission on Health in the Amazon (CESAM).
Guyana assumed the presidency of CESAM on September 8, 2026.
Representatives from Guyana, Bolivia, Suriname and Venezuela participated in person, while Brazil joined virtually. PAHO and the Permanent Secretariat of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO) also participated.
Opening the discussions, Anthony called for regional dialogue to result in practical actions with measurable outcomes for communities across the Amazon.
The participants identified malaria, hepatitis B and C, Indigenous Peoples’ health, intercultural health and epidemiological surveillance as priority areas for cooperation.

Focus on malaria elimination
Malaria was a central issue during the discussions, with participating countries examining opportunities to coordinate national strategies, share technical expertise and develop joint initiatives.
Suriname’s Director of Health, Dr Rakesh Gajadhar-Sukul, outlined the country’s experience in eliminating local malaria transmission through community-based diagnosis, rapid response and timely treatment.

Suriname indicated that it is prepared to share these practices with other ACTO Member Countries.
The ACTO Permanent Secretariat is developing a proposal to facilitate the exchange, including the possibility of a technical workshop in Suriname with support from cooperation partners.

Indigenous health and disease surveillance
Bolivia’s Minister of Health and Sports, Marcela Tatiana Flores Zambrana, highlighted challenges affecting Indigenous populations and communities located far from health services.
She also pointed to the health impacts associated with mercury contamination from gold mining.
Brazil reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation on Indigenous health and infectious diseases, while Venezuela’s Vice Minister for Comprehensive Health, Dr Noly Coromoto Fernández Hernández, stressed the importance of culturally appropriate healthcare, traditional knowledge and community participation.
Fernández Hernández also called for stronger regional surveillance and early warning mechanisms for malaria, dengue and onchocerciasis.
PAHO indicated its willingness to continue providing technical cooperation, including support for disease elimination efforts that take into account the cultures and needs of Indigenous communities.
Health data exchange on agenda
The countries also discussed the development of a health module for the Amazon Regional Observatory and the designation of national focal points to facilitate health data exchange and interoperability.
According to the ACTO Permanent Secretariat, the priorities identified at the meeting are aligned with ongoing efforts to strengthen CESAM.
The Commission’s guidelines have been approved, while its General Work Plan remains under discussion.
A release from the Health Ministry on Friday stated that at the conclusion of the meeting, participants identified malaria as an area requiring closer regional coordination. They also agreed to continue cooperation on hepatitis and explore technical support and financing opportunities with multilateral organisations.
Under Guyana’s leadership, CESAM is expected to advance the agreed priorities through practical regional actions aimed at improving access to healthcare, strengthening disease prevention and protecting the health of Amazon communities.