Suriname records an average of ten imported malaria cases per month, with peaks of more than fifteen infections. According to the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labour, the number of cases has risen significantly this year compared to the same period last year. Although the country has not recorded local malaria transmission for more than five years, health authorities warn of the risk of the disease re-emerging.
Director of Public Health Rakesh Gajadhar Sukul expressed his concern on Thursday, 22 October 2026, in an interview with the Communicatie Dienst Suriname (CDS), about the increase in imported infections. According to him, vigilance remains necessary to prevent malaria from spreading again within Suriname.
Imported malaria concerns persons who became infected outside Suriname and subsequently enter the country. According to Gajadhar Sukul, this has so far had no consequences for the country’s malaria-free status. “If you have imported cases, you are still malaria-free, because the infection did not occur here,” he explains.
The risk arises when an infected person in Suriname is bitten by a mosquito that can transmit the malaria parasite. This can create a new chain of infection. As long as imported cases occur and the malaria mosquito is present, the danger of reintroduction remains, according to the director.
Most infections originate from neighbouring countries
Data from the Malaria Programma show that the imported cases mainly originate from Suriname’s three neighbouring countries, particularly Guyana. The ministry is therefore focusing not only on national prevention, but also on strengthening regional cooperation.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is working with the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) on a malaria control model that can be applied by countries in the Amazon region. Suriname is contributing by sharing knowledge and experiences with other countries.
According to Gajadhar Sukul, cooperation with neighbouring countries is of great importance. When malaria is also brought under better control in surrounding countries, the risk of new infections in Suriname decreases.
Extra attention for border and gold-mining areas
The Malaria Programma continues to focus actively on the early detection of infections, especially in border areas and gold-mining areas. Staff are deployed to identify possible cases quickly, while doctors receive regular training to recognise the disease in time.
The director emphasises that rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent further spread. In addition, public awareness plays an important role, according to him.
Due to cross-border movement of persons, it is not possible to prevent all imported infections, according to the health authorities. The appeal is therefore mainly directed at persons travelling to or returning from areas where malaria occurs.
Call to get tested immediately if symptoms occur
The ministry calls on people who have stayed or worked in neighbouring countries or in gold-mining areas to seek medical help immediately if they have possible malaria symptoms. Complaints such as fever, chills, headache and muscle pain may indicate an infection.
Gajadhar Sukul emphasises that people should not only remain alert themselves, but should also encourage others to get tested if they have suspicious symptoms. By detecting and treating infections in time, Public Health wants to prevent malaria from again being transmitted locally.
The ministry stresses that maintaining malaria-free status requires continuous efforts, both from health services and society.
