Ethiopia resumes fight against malaria on World Malaria Day

Ethiopia, Jigjiga City – The Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MOH) in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrated World Malaria Day (WMD) in Jigjiga City. This year’s theme is “Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more just world.”

The event, held on May 11, 2024, aimed to raise awareness and advocate for increased efforts against malaria, a major health threat in Ethiopia.

The main event was held at Jijiga Stadium and was attended by high-ranking officials including Engineer Mohamed Shalu, leader of the Somali Regional Prosperity Party.

Mr. Mohammed, an engineer, highlighted that the prevalence of malaria is decreasing across the country and highlighted the efforts of the Ethiopian government to curb the negative effects of malaria. He called for a comprehensive approach that included community engagement alongside his medical efforts.

Dr. Hiwot Solomon, Chief Executive Officer for Disease Prevention and Control at MOH, highlighted the serious impact of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia.

She noted that 75% of Ethiopia’s land area is susceptible to malaria, with 69% of the population in those areas affected.

She stressed that malaria cases have increased over the past three years and urgent action is needed.

Somali Regional Health Director Dr. Moussi Ahmed also reiterated the need for collaboration between regional and federal health authorities and malaria control partners such as the World Health Organization. He acknowledged progress in the region, but stressed the importance of sustained efforts to stop malaria.

The event included social mobilization activities and sports competitions to engage the community and highlighted our shared responsibility to fight malaria.

As Ethiopia reflects on World Malaria Day, the message is clear. Unified, focused and sustainable action is essential to reduce the burden of malaria, begin to eliminate it nationally and ensure health equity for all. ” said Dr. Ayaarne Melesse, malaria expert at WHO Ethiopia. Speaking on behalf of Dr. Owen Laws Karwa, WHO Representative to Ethiopia.

WHO added that it would further strengthen its strategic support for the country’s malaria eradication and control efforts.

Trivia about malaria:

Malaria is an acute febrile disease caused by a parasite known as Plasmodium. The disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Of the four species that infect humans, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are two of the most prevalent malaria parasites in Ethiopia. Plasmodium falciparum is endemic in all malaria-endemic areas of the country (usually below 2000 meters above sea level), and accounts for approximately 65-75% of all reported malaria cases, with a relative Frequency varies over time and space within a given geographic range.

Symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, back pain, joint pain, and vomiting, and usually appear 10 to 15 days after a mosquito bite. Without treatment, malaria can disrupt blood supply to vital organs and quickly become life-threatening.

Key interventions to control malaria include rapid diagnosis and effective treatment with appropriate antimalarial drugs and the use of insecticidal bed nets. Houses may also be sprayed with insecticides indoors to control vector populations.

In Ethiopia, approximately 75% of the country and 69% of the population are exposed to malaria. Ethiopia has diverse ecological characteristics with regard to malaria transmission, ranging from low to high. Ethiopia’s health sector is highly affected by climate change, which has a significant impact on the transmission cycle of vector-borne diseases such as malaria.

WHO has actively supported the Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MoH) in the fight against malaria. Among other contributions, WHO will build worker health management capacity, monitor programs, review and generate evidence, mobilize resources, provide supportive oversight at all levels, and revise and update strategic documents and guidelines. We have provided technical assistance in support of