The Manaus Municipal Health Secretariat (Semsa) is expanding the network of health units providing malaria diagnosis and treatment across both urban and rural areas. This initiative follows the registration of 6,177 malaria cases in the city as of October 23, 2026.
Currently, diagnostic services are available at 43 points in Manaus. The city plans to increase this to 81 municipal establishments, with a goal of reaching 106 units by the first half of 2027 and covering the entire municipal network by the end of that year. The expansion is supported by the Ministry of Health, which provides both rapid tests and ‘thick drop’ (gota espessa) examinations.
Health officials emphasize the importance of urban diagnostic availability because the incubation period can cause symptoms to appear days after exposure in rural or forested areas. By providing testing in urban centers, the city aims to facilitate early diagnosis and ensure treatment begins within 48 hours of symptom onset, preventing patients from requiring emergency care due to disease aggravation.
Entities
Manaus · Ministry of Health · Secretaria Municipal de Saúde · Viviana Cláudia de Paula Conceição