Malaria is one of the leading causes of disease burden in Ethiopia, with 350 Days Lost Per Year per 1000 population (DLYs). There are about 4-5 million clinical cases every year. Since 1994, malaria epidemics continue to be reported from most regions of Ethiopia. The increasing trend of epidemic has burdened the already inefficient health service system, with serious consequences on other services. It is the second highest cause of hospital admission, accounting for 9.7% of all admissions and 3.1% of hospital deaths in 1994/95.
The government of Ethiopia has been engaged in implementing malaria prevention and control strategies. Among the many, community based malaria control approach is one. This approach attempts to do early diagnosis and treatment of malaria at community level; provision of chemoprophylaxis for pregnant women; use of impregnated bed nets and environmental management. This is being achieved through community health agents in and out of health posts.
Emphasis is also being given to strengthen partnerships for malaria control at all levels. The global partnership to Roll Back Malaria is initiated in Ethiopia with the aim of helping communities to reduce the consequences of malaria. Local partnership is also essential where sector ministries, private organizations, religious groups, civic societies (including professional associations), NGO's, bilateral and multilateral organizations needs to be involved.
In this paper, the community based control strategy as well as the the potential role of public health associations in the fight against malaria is discussed, based on the Ethiopian experience.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, the participants will be able to: 1. Describe the magnitude of malaria in developing countries such as Ethiopia. 2. List the various malaria control strategies. 3. Describe the community based malaria control strategy. 4. Describe the role of public health associations in the control of malaria
Keywords: Community-Based Health Care, Public/Private Partnerships
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: 1. Ministry of Health
2. Tigray Region Health Bureau
3. Ethiopian Public Health Association
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.