25 October 2024 Malaria in the Amhara region, Ethiopia.

October 25, 2024

Over the past week, the Institute of Public Health named after. Amhara reported more than 51,650 new cases malariawhich represents a rapid increase in transmission in the region. The data shows that 72% of cases are concentrated in 40 specific areas, indicating that the outbreak is unevenly distributed in the area. Additionally, the annual balance reflects a 65.8% increase in cases compared to the same period in 2023.

Since 2017, Amhara has seen an increase in malaria incidence and the situation is becoming increasingly critical. The disease has infected more than 600,000 people in the past three months and was estimated to have infected 1.5 million people in the region in the previous financial year. Recent rains have created favorable conditions for mosquito breeding. There are also serious drug shortages due to safety concerns that impede the effective distribution of drugs.

To address this emergency, a public environmental control campaign led by health posts has been launched, which will begin on October 27, 2024. The campaign will include activities to clean up stagnant water and ditches, remove waste and promote the use of mosquito nets. Health workers will work with local communities to raise awareness of malaria symptoms and prevention, aiming to mitigate the impact of the disease in the region.

Growing instability in Amhara has also been identified by the UN as a priority issue, with armed conflict and road closures significantly hampering efforts to combat malaria and deliver essential medical supplies, putting public health at risk.

Malaria Ethiopia

More information about malaria in Ethiopia

• 2023. 4.1 million malaria cases, including 527 deaths. (WHO)
• 2022. The WHO estimates there have been 5,106,067 cases and 10,570 deaths so far this year.
• 2021. 3,783,896 cases and 8,041 presumed deaths
• 2020. 4,231,328 cases and 9,433 presumed deaths
• 2019. 2,645,193 cases and 5,708 estimated deaths
• 2018. 1,530,739 confirmed cases. 356 deaths.
• 2013. 2,118,815 confirmed cases. 213 deaths.
• 27% of the population lives in areas with high incidence rates; 41% in low incidence areas and 32% in malaria free areas

PRESENT

• 2024. October 2 – 5.9 million cases, including 1,023 deaths; September 7 – 4,773,900 cases and 918 deaths; March 30 3.2 million malaria cases in last eight months; 11 February 525,790 cases and 120 deaths (case fatality rate 0.02%). Over 70.0% of cases were reported from four regions: Oromia (35.5%), Amhara (19.5%), South West Ethiopia People’s Region (SWEPRS; 11.8%) and Southern Ethiopia (10.3% ). However, the highest incidence rate per 100,000 inhabitants is in the Gambella region (4,324 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), followed by SWEPRS (1,846/100,000 inhabitants), Afar (574/100,000 inhabitants) and Tigray (488/100 inhabitants). 000 inhabitants). . February 3 328,881 new and 84 deaths in January
• 2023. November 26: Cases rise in Amhara region; 16 November 774,519 cases and 180 deaths in 117 districts and 7 major cities in the Oromia region; November 4 2,873,114 cases (excluding Amhara region) Staggering increase; September 10 – 2,235,311 cases; September outbreak in Begi and Kondal, in the West Wollega conflict zone, Oromia.
• 2020. June

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