Ethiopia Faces Surge in Malaria Cases Amidst Ongoing Health Crises
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Ethiopia has experienced a dramatic increase in malaria cases between January and August 2024. During this period, there were 918 reported deaths and nearly 4.7 million new malaria cases. Alarmingly, the number of cases in 2024 has already surpassed the total for the previous year.
The WHO reports that, despite intensified efforts by the Ministry of Health to combat the disease, the number of malaria cases and deaths continues to rise at an alarming rate. Southwest Ethiopia has the highest incidence rate per 100,000 people, followed by Benishangul Gumuz and Gambella. The regions with the most new malaria cases include Oromia (53%), Amhara (15%), Southwest Ethiopia (11%), South Ethiopia (5%), and Benishangul Gumuz (5%).
In June 2024, at least 11 people, including children, died of malaria in the West Wollega zone of the Oromia region. A leading specialist from the Oromia Health Bureau, in an interview with local media, revealed that malaria is rapidly spreading to other areas within Oromia, such as Jimma, Illu Ababor, Nekemte, and Shashamane. According to the specialist, official health facilities in Oromia detected 57,000 malaria cases within a single week.
The WHO also noted that the declining security situation in the Amhara region is complicating efforts to manage ongoing disease outbreaks, including malaria. The Amhara region is facing a severe security crisis due to conflicts between government forces and the non-state militia Fano. Three months ago, the Amhara Public Health Institute reported that nearly 1.2 million people in the region had contracted malaria over the previous eleven months. Belay Bezhabhi, the Institute’s Director General, warned that malaria could spread even further, particularly after September.
Additionally, the WHO reported a troubling rise in active cholera cases in Ethiopia, increasing from 43 on July 31 to 68 by August 26, 2024. The regions with the highest number of cholera cases are Amhara (35%), Tigray (28%), Oromia (18%), Afar (7%), Somali (6%), and Sidama (6%).
However, there is some positive news. The number of districts with active measles outbreaks has decreased from 20 on July 21 to 18 on August 26, 2024. This reduction is attributed to the statewide measles vaccination campaign, which has achieved an overall coverage rate of 76%, although some areas in Amhara are still pending vaccination.