Epidemiologic analysis of malaria cases in the triple border Brazil-Venezuela-Guyana from 2010 to 2017

Abstract

Introduction: Malaria is an infectious disease considered a global health issue. In Brazil, thanks to public policies, the notified cases of malaria have diminished, but this is not the reality in the northern region of the country, especially in the state of Roraima, that for sharing borders with two other countries, Venezuela and Guyana, shows peculiar nosogeographic characteristics that make it hard for the disease’s eradication. Objective: Analyze the epidemiology of malaria in the triple border Brazil-Venezuela-Guyana, from 2010 to 2017, and how borders can set a favorable environment for the disease’s spread. Methods: bibliographic revision, WHO reports, data obtained from the Malaria’s Epidemiological Vigilance Information System. Obtained information has been analyzed and organized with computer programs such as Microsoft® Office Excel 2016 e TabWin v. 3.6b. Development: In Roraima, while most autochthonous cases tend to reduce, imported cases from Venezuela and Guyana tend to increase and reduce cyclically, depending on many factors, such as migration waves and public investment in health care. Most imported cases notified in Roraima are originated from Venezuela, what can be explained by the uncontrolled and intense immigration from this country. Conclusion: The obtained data reveal the necessity of more attention towards these border regions, of improvement of the epidemiological vigilance systems and the professionals responsible for its operation, better quality of health assistance in the border regions, with the participation of specialists in malaria and the involvement of the local population in health care and prevention.