Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Ethiopia has reported a staggering 8.4 million malaria cases since the beginning of 2024, making it the highest-ever number of cases reported within a year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
“Malaria continues to pose a public health risk in Ethiopia, (reaching) an epidemic proportion with an average of more than 300,000 malaria cases reported weekly across the country,” the WHO warned in a recent report.
The outbreak has affected almost every district in the East African country, with many surpassing the epidemic threshold.
Malaria is endemic in Ethiopia, particularly in areas below 2,000 meters altitude, which cover three-quarters of the country’s land mass.
Approximately 69% of the population resides in these areas, facing a high risk of infection. The disease typically peaks between September and December, following the primary rainy season, and from April to May after the secondary rainy season.
The international medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has sounded the alarm, warning that an “urgent and targeted” response is needed to control the ongoing malaria epidemic in Ethiopia.
The MSF emphasized the importance of prioritizing response preparedness in high-risk areas and among vulnerable communities to maximize impact.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, health officials are scrambling to respond to the crisis.
The WHO has mobilized resources to support the Ethiopian government’s efforts to combat the outbreak.
With the number of cases expected to rise further, the need for a coordinated and effective response has never been more pressing.
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