Thursday December 26, 2024
The World Health Organization (WHO) said that since the beginning of 2024, more than 8.4 million malaria cases have been reported across Ethiopia, the highest-ever number of cases reported in the country within a year.
A health worker vaccinates a child during the launch of a malaria vaccination campaign in Juba, capital of South Sudan, July 16, 2024. (Photo by Denis Elamu/Xinhua)
Ethiopia has reported 8.4 million malaria cases since the beginning of this year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
This was the highest-ever number of cases reported within a year, the WHO said in an Ethiopia Health Cluster Bulletin report released Monday.
Noting that "almost every district" in the East African country has reported a case, it said many of these districts have surpassed the epidemic threshold.
Malaria is endemic in Ethiopia with higher prevalence in areas below the 2,000-meter altitude, covering three-quarters of the country's land mass. Around 69 percent of the country's population residing in these areas face the risk of infection.
Typically, malaria peaks between September and December following the primary rainy season in the country, and from April to May after the secondary rainy season.
The international medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) recently called for an "urgent and targeted" response to control the ongoing malaria epidemic in Ethiopia.
The MSF said that in light of seasonal changes and population movements, it is critical to prioritize response preparedness in high-risk areas and among vulnerable communities for maximum impact.