Abstract:
Malaria is still a major public health concern of most population of the world. In Ethiopia
malaria have unstable transmission in most parts of the country with wider range of
prevalence. Recently, the trend shows that malaria burden is decreasing in most of endemic
areas although the reduction is not the same in all regions of the country. Gambella is one of
the region well known for high burden of malaria. Although there are studies on the
prevalence of malaria in some parts of the districts, a recent status of malaria prevalence is
not studied in Mengeshi Wereda, Majang Zone. Therefore, the current study was aimed at
assessing the status of malaria positivity rate in the past eighteen years between 2005 and
2022, and impact of interventional activities undertaking in the area on reducing the burden.
Accordingly, secondary data was collected through document analysis. A data collection
format was prepared as per the objective of the study and necessary data was extracted.
Variables such as sex, age, malaria positivity, distribution status of long lasting insecticide
bed nets (LLINs) and spraying of indoor residual spraying (IRS) were carefully collected.
Data was analyzed using R-software. Finding of the study showed that the overall malaria
positivity rate documented over the past 18 years was 46.5% (n= 90,707/193,997) malaria
suspected patients were examined in Mengeshi health facilities. The positivity rate among
children <5 years age was 30.3% (n=27,370/90,707). Malaria burden was significantly
higher in autumn season (51.6%). The interventional activities undertaken in the study area
(distribution of LLINs) did showed effect on the burden of malaria in the study area, although
significant impact (p<0.05) was observed for indoor residual spraying (IRS). But still
malaria burden was much higher and beyond thinking of eradication or elimination goal.
Therefore, proper monitoring of the implementation of those interventional activities should
be in place by the concerned body. In addition, regular surveillance of malaria status and
creating awareness of the community by health authorities in the region for early diagnosis
and getting treatment is crucial.
