Mexico reported 517 cases of local malaria transmission in 2015 and aims to eliminate malaria by 2020.
Mexico achieved a 93% decrease in reported malaria cases between 2000 and 2015, from 7,390 cases to 656 cases. More than two-thirds of Mexican states have been malaria-free since 2004, and the endemic region has been primarily concentrated in the southeast along Mexico’s border with Guatemala, where more than 80% of all cases occurred in 2008. A majority of cases in 2008 were reported in rural areas and 40% of all cases occurred in children under 15 years of age.
Mexico began malaria control initiatives in the 1930s and has achieved significant progress despite the challenges associated with its endemic southern border region and rural populations. The ministry of health has outlined specific, measurable goals for its malaria program and developed a plan for 2007 to 2012 to improve surveillance capacity through: use of geographic information systems mapping; enhanced vector control activities to reduce mosquito populations; use of rapid diagnostic tests to decrease time between diagnosis and treatment; and targeting high-transmission areas in southeast Mexico.
Country briefing
Challenges to elimination
Indigenous population
A majority of cases occur in indigenous people living in rural areas. Indigenous people living in rural areas of the states of Chiapas and Oaxaca have less access to health facilities due to poor transportation infrastructure. Additionally, the ministry of health is challenged with developing malaria education programs for nonnative Spanish speakers and addressing vector control for a population that may live in less-enclosed housing structures.
Migration
More than two million documented and undocumented migrants cross into Mexico each year. More than 250,000 undocumented Guatemalans now live in Mexico, many of whom fled from Guatemala during its civil war (1960-1996). Cross-border migration along Mexico’s border with Guatemala increases malaria transmission in this area.
