Ethiopia is working to provide malaria prevention to over 13 million people in the current budget year. In the past six months, 3.8 million people were screened, with 1.3 million confirmed to have the disease. The number of patients has decreased by 40 to 49 percent compared to last year.
Addis Ababa, October 18, 2025 (FMC) – Dr. Hayiwt Solomon, the Health Ministry's main spokesperson for disease prevention and control, told Fana Podcast that in the past six months, 3.8 million people have been screened for malaria. Of these, 1.3 million individuals were confirmed to have the disease. This figure shows a decrease of 40 to 49 percent in patient numbers compared to the same period last year.
The ministry is assessing the malaria outbreak situation and duration to create an enabling environment for prevention efforts. High efforts are being made to provide uninterrupted services, including screening and treatment, as well as medicine and bed net accessibility.
In the 2017 budget year, chemical spraying was conducted in 177 woredas. This year, plans were set to spray in 217 woredas across 3 million households, and it has mostly been carried out. Dr. Hayiwt stated, “Malaria should not become a public health problem; work is being focused on this.” After harvest, to prevent mosquito breeding conditions, standing waters should be drained, other prevention measures strengthened, and if infected, proper treatment must be sought. Experts at each level are urged to work with communities in an organized manner for prevention.