[History, Epidemiology and Control of Malaria in Campinas Region, São Paulo State, Brazil, 1980 to 2000]

It is a retrospective descriptive study about 3314 notified cases of malaria in Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, Campinas, an area that covers 88 cities and 5.366.081 inhabitants, during 80's and 90's. The region data were compared to national statistics looking at disease history and control program impact in endemic areas. It was observed a decrease in notified cases in Campinas region, while over the same period incidence in Amazonia was increasing. The highest prevalence was in men (83%) between 20 and 49 years old, mainly from Rondônia, Pará and Mato Grosso State; 59% were diagnosed in three first days of symptoms. It was suggested the impact of educational campaigns addressed to risk population and health professionals in the Campinas region. In no endemic areas, early diagnostic and treatment are a great challenge because it may extend patient access and proper heath care decreasing lethality and impeding local transmission. It can also facilitate integration among vector control, epidemiologic surveillance and attendance to patients.