Feasibility of Malaria Elimination in Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: The problem of malaria is very severe in Ethiopia where it has been the major cause of illness and death for many years. The purpose of this review article is to assess the feasibility of malaria elimination in Ethiopia.

Method: To compile this review article, different relevant research articles related to the topic from open access journals were searched using different searching engines such as Google scholar, Science direct, and Pub Med using different key words and phrases.

Result: Based on review of the literature, Ethiopia has been trying to control and eliminate malaria for more than 60 years. To assess feasibility of malaria elimination, the WHO assessment tools/recommendations for elimination of malaria were used. Based on WHO parameters, the country has achieved remarkable progress on the fight against malaria during the most recent decades. Malaria morbidity and mortality have been reduced dramatically with intensive use of insecticide residual spray, long lasting insecticide treated nets, chemotherapies, improved diagnosis and case management, improved quality of laboratories, continued support from malaria partners, and political commitment of the Ethiopian government towards malaria prevention and control. Hence, the past achievements and current activities, have led to consider the possibility of malaria elimination in Ethiopia at least by 2030 or beyond.

Conclusion: Considering the triumphs achieved so far and the current undertaking efforts, malaria could possibly be eliminated from Ethiopia once and for all.

Keywords: Elimination; Ethiopia; Malaria; feasibility; opportunity.

Figure 1

Number of LLINs distributed in Ethiopia, 2006-2013 (modified from FMOH, 2012)

Figure 2

Percentage of households that received IRS from 2005-2012 (Modified from Carter Center, 2013)