Malaria continues to devastate communities across Ethiopia, with unprecedented cases reported in 2024. Organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) are leading the charge to combat this crisis in regions like Oromia and Gambella. Their comprehensive response provides hope to vulnerable populations, including refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Unprecedented Malaria Surge
Ethiopia has reported over 7.3 million malaria cases in 2024, compared to 4.1 million in 2023, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This sharp increase places Ethiopia among the highest-burden countries in East Africa. Already strained by ongoing conflicts and a stretched healthcare system, the rise in malaria cases presents an immense challenge.
MSF’s Emergency Response
Oromia Region: Battling the Outbreak
In Oromia, years of insecurity and limited healthcare access have exacerbated the malaria epidemic. The region accounts for 48.5% of all malaria cases nationwide, with patient numbers increasing fivefold between August 2023 and August 2024.
To address this crisis, MSF, in collaboration with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health, launched an emergency response in July 2024. Key interventions include:
- Dedicated Malaria Wards: MSF established facilities at Nekemte Specialized Hospital and Nejo General Hospital, treating around 750 patients weekly.
- Health Awareness and Prevention: Communities are provided with mosquito nets and educated on preventive measures. Damaya, a mother whose daughter Martiket recovered from severe malaria, shared, “We now use mosquito nets every night to stay safe.”
- Mobile Clinics: MSF’s mobile teams ensure remote communities have access to essential healthcare, distributing thousands of mosquito nets and conducting awareness sessions.
Gambella Region: Addressing Refugee Needs
In Gambella’s Kule refugee camp, home to over 50,000 refugees, malaria cases have surged by 150% in 2024 compared to the previous year. MSF’s interventions include:
- Treatment and Prevention: Since January 2024, over 36,000 malaria patients have been treated at Kule Health Center.
- Environmental Measures: Indoor residual spraying has covered 80% of targeted households.
- Child Vaccination: MSF has administered three doses of the newly WHO-approved R21 malaria vaccine to 2,750 children under five, with a fourth dose planned after 12 months.
A Multi-Pronged Approach
MSF emphasizes the importance of an integrated strategy to combat malaria, including:
- Case Management: Rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- Malaria Prophylaxis: Preventative medications for at-risk populations.
- Vaccination Campaigns: Utilizing innovative solutions like the R21 malaria vaccine.
- Vector Control: Implementing measures such as indoor spraying and mosquito net distribution.
Sustaining the Fight Against Malaria
As Ethiopia grapples with this epidemic, MSF calls for urgent international support to curb the spread of malaria while maintaining progress toward global malaria reduction targets for 2025 and 2030. Preparedness, especially in high-risk areas and among vulnerable populations, is critical to minimizing the impact of future outbreaks.
About MSF in Ethiopia
MSF has provided essential medical care in Ethiopia for over 40 years. Their work spans maternal and child healthcare, emergency surgery, infectious disease treatment, and malnutrition prevention. By collaborating with local health authorities, MSF ensures coordinated responses in areas with limited resources, offering hope to those in need.
