Analysis of Malaria Surveillance—Gedeo Zone, Southern Nations Nationalities and People's Regional State (SNNPR), Ethiopia, 2005-2010

Background: Globally, half of the world’s population is at risk of malaria. Africa has the largest number of people living in malarious areas. In Ethiopia, 75% of the total area of the country and 68% of the population are estimated to be at risk of malaria infection. Malaria is the most common communicable disease in the country. In Gedeo zone of the SNNPR there was a large outbreak of malaria with 5882 cases from April 3 to May 18, 2011 which was not reported promptly. As a result, an analysis of malaria surveillance data was conducted to describe the epidemiology of malaria in the zone, characterize the disease burden, and assist with prevention and control activities.

Methods: A retrospective review of malaria data was conducted in Gedeo zone Health Desk in May 2011. Data from the 5 year period 2005/6-2009/10 were included. Morbidity and mortality reviewed. The data were analyzed using MS-Excel.

Results: A total of 13,483 malaria cases with 58 deaths were reported; of these 8,826 (65%) were clinically diagnosed and 4,657 (35%) laboratory confirmed. The majority of the cases, 10,819 (80.2%) and deaths, 44 (75.9%) were in those over 5 years. The mean number of cases per year was 2,697, ranging from 1,213-4,843. The greatest number of cases occurred in December 15.4% (2,077/13,483), and the lowest in May, 5.3% (716/13,483). The highest incidence was 1.8/1,000 in 2005/6 and the lowest was 0.2/1,000 in 2008/9. P. falciparum accounted for 61.8% (2,879/4,657) of all cases and P. vivax 38.2% (1,778/4,657).

Conclusion: The number of malaria cases was stable during 2006/7-2008/9, but increased greatly in 2009/10. The large number of malaria cases in December was in accordance with the major transmission period in Ethiopia. Prevention and control activities should be intensified to prevent the resurgence of malaria in the zone.