In the municipality of Pradera, Valle del Cauca, local malaria transmission was eliminated in just six months through a coordinated strategy between authorities and the community. The outbreak began as an imported case from Buenaventura and has seen no new cases since August 2025. This progress highlights the key role of citizen participation in public health.
The municipality of Pradera in Valle del Cauca marked a public health milestone by eliminating local malaria transmission in just six months. The disease, caused by a parasite transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito, was not endemic to the area but originated from an imported case from Buenaventura, where infected individuals were bitten by local vectors, starting the transmission chain.
Governor Dilian Francisca Toro explained: “it was not present in the municipality, but arrived as an imported case from Buenaventura. People coming with the disease were bitten by the vector and this initiated local transmission”.
The Valle del Cauca Health Secretariat implemented a comprehensive plan with four key actions: active symptom searches, mosquito breeding control, community collaboration, and improvements to living conditions in affected areas. Measures included bed net usage, house-to-house visits, and education to prevent mosquito breeding. All patients received timely care, with no new cases reported since August 2025.
María Cristina Lesmes, the department's Health Secretary, noted: “eliminating malaria in a community is an uncommon feat worldwide”. She emphasized the active role of citizens in identifying symptoms and preventive measures, which was crucial to breaking the transmission.
The current challenge is to sustain the malaria-free status through enhanced community surveillance, early diagnosis, and immediate treatment of suspected cases. This achievement signifies major progress in the region, driven by coordination among public, private sectors, and the community.