Malaria Elimination Plan by 2030 in Ethiopia: Does Evidence based Practice Matter?

Abstract

Background: Malaria remains one of the leading causes of death among under-five children in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite, the remarkable progress in reducing under-five mortality rates in Ethiopia; it is continuing as a major threat to under-five. Objective: Thus, this study is calling for the evidence-based practice to the planed malaria elimination by 2030. Method: A cross-sectional survey involving 388 participants (mothers/guardians/caregivers) attending two health centres due to an acute febrile illness of their child/children during the study period and febrile under-five children were investigated. Results: Of the 388 children visited the two health centres, 134 (34.5%) tested positive for malaria. Children from respondents who correctly mentioned a cause of malaria were less likely to be infected by malaria (X2 = 17.14, p=0.009). Similarly, households who use insecticide-treated bed nets (ITN) were more protected than those who do not use with (AOR= 0.02; 0.05-0.7, P<0.022). Mosquito breeding sites around the residential environment were also correlated with the observed positive results of the blood film (X2=21.4, p=0.001). Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude and practice of people were good in malaria control and prevention but require more attention to achieve the planned malaria elimination program in the country by 2030.

Subject classification codes: Public Health (Prevention and Promotion of Health)

Keywords: Malaria elimination, under-five children, Ethiopia

Cite this Article

Getachew Redae Taffere. Malaria Elimination Plan by 2030 in Ethiopia: Does Evidence-based Practice Matter?. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Immunology. 2018; 8(3): 3–12p.