Malaria-free certification: Belize

The World Health Organization has granted certification of malaria elimination

On 21 June 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) certified Belize as malaria-free [1]. Belize detected its last case of locally transmitted malaria in December 2018 [2]. A total of 42 countries and 1 territory globally have now achieved malaria-free status [1].

A country can apply to the WHO for certification once criteria are met; countries must prove that nationwide, local transmission of all types of human malaria parasites have been interrupted for at least the past three consecutive years. Countries are also required to show they have a fully functional surveillance and response system in place to prevent re-establishment of local transmission [3].

The Country Information page for Belize will be updated to reflect that malaria is no longer a risk in this country.