WHAT: A Malaria in the Americas Forum featuring videos, presentations and discussions on effective efforts to eliminate malaria in the Americas, to mark Malaria Day in the Americas, Nov. 6. Also, recognition of the 2014 Malaria Champions of the Americas.

Event sponsors: The Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the PAHO Foundation, the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University, and the Center for Communication Programs at The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

WHEN: Thursday, November 6, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Auditorium, Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20052

WHO: Pedro Alonso, Director, WHO Global Malaria Program Maria Kirova, Head of Asia, Europe and Latin America and Caribbean Department, Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and MalariaMario Zaidenberg, chief, vector control for northwestern Argentina, Ministry of Health of Argentina

CONTEXT: In the Americas, malaria cases have declined 64% since 2000, and deaths have declined 78% in 21 malaria-endemic countries. Seven of these countries are well on their way to eliminating malaria, and others are making significant progress against the disease. However, continued investments of human and financial resources are critical to further progress, especially in the areas of diagnostic testing, treatment and surveillance of malaria. Malaria Day in the Americas is an opportunity to highlight successful efforts to prevent and control malaria while urging continued support for efforts in all countries affected by this disease.

HOW: In person or online at: http://www.livestream.com/paho (copy link, open a new browser, and paste the link shortly before 1 p.m.)

MEDIA CONTACTS: Sonia Mey-Schmidt, [email protected],202-974-3036, or Kathy Fackelmann, [email protected],202-994-8354

LINKS: Malaria in the Americas Forum 2014: Accelerating Malaria Elimination in the Americas

Malaria Champions of the Americas 2014

PAHO malaria program