MALARIA – ETHIOPIA: INCREASING INCIDENCE, FATAL, WHO
A ProMED-mail post
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International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Date: Mon 2 Sep 2024
Source: Addis Standard [edited]
https://addisstandard.com/who-reports-surge-in-new-malaria-cases-this-year-already-exceeding-last-years-total/
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Ethiopia experienced
a concerning surge in malaria cases between January and August 2024.
During this period, over 4.7 million new cases were documented,
resulting in 918 deaths. Notably, the cumulative number of cases for
2024 has already surpassed the total count for the previous year
[2023].
Despite intensified efforts by the Ministry of Health to combat
malaria, the WHO said the number of cases and deaths continues to rise
at an alarming rate.
The highest incidence per 100 000 population has been reported in
Southwest Ethiopia, followed by Benishangul Gumuz and Gambella. The
majority of new malaria cases have been reported in Oromia (53%),
Amhara (15%), Southwest Ethiopia (11%), South Ethiopia (5%), and
Benishangul Gumuz (5%).
In June 2024, Addis Standard reported that at least 11 individuals,
including children, had succumbed to malaria in the West Wollega zone
of the Oromia region.
A senior expert from the Oromia Health Bureau, speaking to Addis
Standard on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that malaria is
rapidly spreading to other areas of the Oromia region, including
Jimma, Illu Ababor, Nekemte, and Shashamane. According to the expert,
testing conducted at government health facilities within the Oromia
region identified 57 000 malaria cases in a single week.
The WHO also reported that the deterioration of security in the Amhara
region is hindering effective responses to ongoing disease outbreaks,
particularly malaria. Reports indicate that Amhara, a region
experiencing an escalating security crisis due to the conflict between
government forces and the non-state militia Fano, is also grappling
with the spread of malaria.
Three months ago, the Amhara Public Health Institute reported a
concerning statistic: over 1.2 million people in the region had
contracted malaria within the past 11 months. Belay Bezhabhi, Director
General of the Institute, indicated that the spread of malaria is
expected to escalate further, particularly after September [2024].