Colombia: Malaria spreading due to illegal open-cast mining
The Colombian Health Minister, Alejandro Gaviria, has said that malaria is spreading quickly due to widespread illegal open-cast mining, with poor sanitary conditions and stagnant water. Particularly affected is the impoverished Choco region, which borders Panama. The cases of malaria have increased fourfold since 2015, from 4,730 to 18,524.

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The rise of malaria in different areas of Colombia has been linked to illegal open-cast mining.

Stagnant water and poor sanitary conditions have been discovered at these often hidden rural locations.

The widespread activity has previously been blamed for causing serious environmental damage, as well as keeping workers in slave-like conditions.

Health Minister Alejandro Gaviria told Telesur: "The country had more or less controlled its malaria problem...the death rate had dropped significantly.

"But because of illegal mining...we've had hotspots since last year and especially this year."

The Colombian National Health Institute recorded 18,524 malaria cases in 2015. The year before, only 4,730 malaria cases were recorded.

Mr Gavira told RCN radio that the rise of malaria cases was most prominent in the impoverished region of Choco, which is on the border with Panama.

The long road back to El Dorado: Colombia is rediscovering its ancient trade in gold Show all 7 1 / 7 The long road back to El Dorado: Colombia is rediscovering its ancient trade in gold The long road back to El Dorado: Colombia is rediscovering its ancient trade in gold 5617949_1.jpg AFP/Getty Images The long road back to El Dorado: Colombia is rediscovering its ancient trade in gold 5617950.jpg AFP/Getty Images The long road back to El Dorado: Colombia is rediscovering its ancient trade in gold 5617943.jpg The Trustees of the British Museum; Museo del Oro del Banco de la Republica, Colombia The long road back to El Dorado: Colombia is rediscovering its ancient trade in gold 5617946.jpg The Trustees of the British Museum; Museo del Oro del Banco de la Republica, Colombia The long road back to El Dorado: Colombia is rediscovering its ancient trade in gold 5617934.jpg The Trustees of the British Museum; Museo del Oro del Banco de la Republica, Colombia The long road back to El Dorado: Colombia is rediscovering its ancient trade in gold 5617944.jpg The Trustees of the British Museum; Museo del Oro del Banco de la Republica, Colombia The long road back to El Dorado: Colombia is rediscovering its ancient trade in gold 5617945.jpg The Trustees of the British Museum; Museo del Oro del Banco de la Republica, Colombia

The Health Institute said: "Population displacement linked to the exploitation of gold mines - and resulting deforestation - has previously created isolated epidemics of malaria."