Ethiopian Informer
ADDIS ABABA (EI): The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning regarding a significant rise in malaria cases in Ethiopia, describing the situation as “extremely concerning.”
In a report from the Ethiopia Health Cluster Bulletin released on Monday evening, the UN agency revealed that the country has recorded over 5.9 million malaria cases from the beginning of this year up to September 22. Additionally, the report noted that approximately 1,023 deaths linked to malaria have occurred during this timeframe.
The WHO highlighted the severity of this surge, stating, “The number of malaria cases reported between January 1 and September 22, 2024, has surpassed the 4.5 million cases documented throughout all of 2023.” This alarming trend indicates that malaria cases have been consistently rising since 2018.
The regions most affected include Oromia, Amhara, Southwest Ethiopia, South Ethiopia, and Benishangul-Gumuz, with Oromia alone accounting for about half of the reported cases.
In response to this crisis, humanitarian organizations are actively collaborating with the Ethiopian government to ensure that vital malaria treatment and prevention supplies reach remote and underserved areas.
Malaria remains endemic in Ethiopia, particularly prevalent in regions situated below 2,000 meters in elevation, which encompasses roughly three-quarters of the nation’s land area and affects an estimated 52 million people.
(Photo: Getty Images)
