La campaña de erradicación de la malaria en Colombia, 1959-1979

Abstract

Introduction: In the mid-fifties, the country adopted and implemented the malaria eradication campaign (MEC). An evaluation of MEC has not been carried out in the country. Objective: To evaluate the results achieved in the attack and consolidation phases of the MEC on malaria transmission in Colombia between 1959-1979. Materials and methods: A descriptive and retrospective study was carried out based on the malariometric and operational results of the MEC in Colombia, 1959-1979, compiled from the archives of the Ministry of Public Health. The criteria defined by the WHO Expert Committee on Malaria. The storage, tabulation and analysis of the information was carried out. Malariometric indicators were developed and applied. Results: In the short-term eradication period (1959-1969), during the first year of the attack phase (1959) a reduction in transmission of 94% (4,172) was achieved and in the last (1962) a reduction of 88% (8,426) of the accumulated load of cases as compared to the annual average of the 1950´s (71,031), maintaining low levels of transmission until the end of 1969. During the period of intensification of control for eradication (1970-1979) there was an increase in malaria endemicity and the resurgence of epidemic transmission. Due to financial problems that affected the regularity of the operations to sustain the results, without achieving the interruption of transmission, a resurgence of cases was observed in the attack and consolidation phases. However, historical levels of control were achieved in the first stage. In the seventies, there is evidence of a resurgence of transmission with the occurrence of epidemic outbreaks and an increase in malaria endemicity. Conclusions: The campaign did not achieve the goal of interrupting malaria transmission in the national territory, but there was marked control in areas of medium and low intensity.