Malaria cases drop 29% in AM and reach the lowest level since 2016, points out the Health Surveillance Foundation

The number of malaria cases in Amazonas fell by 29% between January and October 2026, compared to the same period last year. In total, 38,149 cases were registered, the lowest number for these months since 2016, according to preliminary data from the Amazonas Health Surveillance Foundation – Dr. Rosemary Costa Pinto (FVS-RCP).

The data was released on Friday (6), Malaria Day in the Americas. The date also marked the end of a regional meeting on the elimination of the disease, promoted by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in Brasília.

During the meeting, FVS-RCP presented strategies adopted in Amazonas to combat malaria, including the use of new technologies and medicines.

One of the strategies presented was the use of tafenoquine, a medicine used to treat malaria. According to FVS-RCP, the option is now available in 33 municipalities in the state for the treatment of adults.

The pediatric version of the medicine also began to be implemented and has already reached 27 municipalities. In total, 14,813 people were treated with tafenoquine in Amazonas.

The foundation's CEO, Tatyana Amorim, attributed the reduction in cases to surveillance work, joint action with municipalities and the adoption of new technologies.

"The reduction in malaria cases is the result of work that involves epidemiological surveillance, innovation and joint action with municipalities. The incorporation of new technologies and the qualification of professionals allow the development of strategies that are more appropriate to the Amazonian reality, contributing to timely diagnosis, treatment and protection of the population", highlighted Tatyana.

Prevention and care

Despite the reduction, Amazonas still records a significant number of cases of the disease. Therefore, FVS-RCP reinforces the importance of prevention and rapid diagnosis.

The foundation's Environmental Surveillance director, Elder Figueiredo, advises that people with symptoms seek a health unit and follow the treatment until the end.

"We still have a significant number of malaria cases in Amazonas, which demonstrates the importance of maintaining preventive actions. When presenting symptoms, the population should immediately seek a health unit to carry out the diagnosis and follow the treatment until the end", advises the director.