In Ethiopia, malaria is highly seasonal and unstable with epidemic-prone transmission patterns in many parts of the country. High malaria-risk areas are mainly located in the western lowland areas of the country. A study confirmed that around 52% of the country’s population is at risk of the disease as a result of the unstable and seasonal pattern of malaria transmission. The protective immunity of the population is generally low and all age groups are at risk of infection and disease.
According to a report from the Ministry of Health, the case is growing day out day in, where some lost their lives.
Of the affected areas, Wolaita Zone is the one. Accordingly, health professionals and leadership are working jointly and undertaking various activities to reduce the prevalence rate of malaria and control its prevalence within the community, especially in Boloso Bombe Woreda Hejere Kebele.
According to Boloso Bombe Woreda Administration Head Wajona Waza, since the past three months, consorted efforts have been exerted and multifaceted activities carried out to control the spread of malaria in malaria-prone areas.
Relevant health professionals were also assigned and the necessary medicines were supplied; targeting to improve the provision of health services. In general, the malaria protection and control efforts are smoothly carried out in a collaborative spirit with the community.
Asnakech Jorge, a Health Extension Worker at the Hejere Health Post, is actively engaged within the community and conducting door-to-door visits to identify and assist malaria patients. She measures, records body temperature and gives the necessary advice and guidance for the effective use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) to prevent mosquito bites.
Involving community members in the planning and implementation of malaria prevention programs is an effective work because it helps ensure that the strategies are culturally appropriate and relevant to the community and the area. As well as establishing systems for community members that could provide feedback on malaria interventions, allowing for adjustments based on their needs and experiences is practiced for the reason it is instrumental in malaria protection and control, she noted.
What is more, door-to-door visits and conduct health screenings are key to educating families about malaria prevention and distributing Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets (ITNs). According to her, through door-to-door visits and education, it is possible to work in collaboration with the community, encourage families to keep their environments clean; and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
Religious leaders, such as Priest Alemu, have noted the commitment of senior leadership at both the zonal and woreda levels to protect the community from malaria. This leadership is vital in mobilizing resources and support for prevention efforts.
Educational workshops are being carried out to further raise the awareness of residents about malaria transmission, symptoms, and prevention strategies.
According to Priest Alemu, tasks such as providing short-term training for local volunteers as community health workers to enable them to educate their peers, distribution of preventive tools, and delivery of basic health services are also underway.
He further noted that in a bid to enhance the community’s engagement in malaria prevention, it is high time to put in place more efforts and strengthen partnerships for effective and sustainable outcomes. The community is participating in cleaning marshy areas that are havens for the spread of mosquitos.
“I am using Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets (ITNs). There is also a well-developed culture among the people in using ITNs. However, the provision is less than the demand; which calls on concerned bodies to increase the supply,” he remarked.
In her recent statement, Health Minister Mekdes Daba (MD) emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to combat malaria in Ethiopia. With the disease remaining a significant public health challenge, she called on institutions to engage in action highlighting the importance of collaboration at multiple levels. The country has made notable progress in reducing malaria incidence and mortality rates over the past decade. However, challenges such as drug resistance, climate change, and insufficient access to prevention methods are still holding back the efforts exerted to eliminate the disease.
Mekdes (PhD) stressed that addressing malaria effectively requires a unified approach involving various stakeholders. The Ethiopian government is devising practicable policies and funding for malaria prevention and treatment initiatives. This includes ensuring the availability of diagnostic tools and effective medications in health facilities. However, malaria continues to pose a severe threat to public health in Ethiopia, affecting millions of people annually.
NGOs should play a crucial role in community outreach and education. Their partnership can help raise awareness about malaria prevention methods, such as the use of insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor spraying.
Collaborating with international health organizations can provide vital resources and expertise. These partnerships can help implement effective strategies based on global best practices.
Equally important, and as usual, community engagement is essential for understanding local challenges and tailoring interventions accordingly. Mekdes (PhD) encouraged community members to actively participate in malaria prevention efforts and report cases promptly.
The Minister also called for the adoption of innovative approaches to tackle malaria. Investing in research to develop new treatments and vaccines is critical. Engaging local universities and research institutions in the program can foster innovation tailored to Ethiopia’s specific needs. Leveraging technology, such as mobile health applications, can enhance data collection and improve health service delivery, making it easier to track malaria cases and monitor treatment outcomes.
She finally noted that through fostering collaboration among government bodies, NGOs, local communities, and international partners, Ethiopia can make significant strides in reducing the burden of malaria and improving public health outcomes. It is high time for all stakeholders to unite in this critical battle against a disease that continues to affect countless lives.
In Ethiopia, the peak malaria transmission occurs between September and December, after the main rainy season from June to August. In addition, some areas experience a second minor malaria transmission period from April to June, following a short rainy season from February to March.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 31 OCTOBER 2024
