Trend analysis of malaria Prevalence and Impact of interventional activities in Mengeshi Wereda, Majang Zone, Gambella Regional State, South west Ethiopia.

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.