DEATH BY MALARIA THREATENS 15 MILLION ETHIOPIANS AS UN AGENCIES APPEAL FOR $5.8 MILLION TO AVERT MAJOR EPIDEMIC

DEATH BY MALARIA THREATENS 15 MILLION ETHIOPIANS AS UN AGENCIES

APPEAL FOR $5.8 MILLION TO AVERT MAJOR EPIDEMIC

ADDIS ABABA, 22 October (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) –- As the risk of death spread by malaria mosquitoes looms in millions of Ethiopian homes, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that the deadly disease potentially threatens 15 million people over the next few months.  The agencies urgently need an additional $5.8 million to try to avert a major malaria epidemic.

Although the donor community responded generously to the looming crisis, funding and capacity are insufficient to assist all the people affected in Ethiopia, or 25 per cent of the total population.  The UNICEF estimates that only 9.5 million people will receive drugs with the funding currently available, which is about two thirds of the total population likely to be affected during this epidemic season.  The United Nations country team, therefore, appeals to the donor community to respond with immediate action to meet the shortfall.

Malaria is a major public health problem in the most affected regions of Amhara, Oromiya and Southern Nations Nationality and People’s Region (SNNPR).  In a normal transmission year, up to 5 million cases are reported annually throughout Ethiopia.  However, this year there has been a long dry season followed by higher than normal rainfall patterns.  Therefore, conditions are favourable for prolific mosquito breeding.  The population is also more susceptible due to prevailing drought conditions in the country.  This, combined with a relatively low transmission rate over the past four years, has created the right mix for a major epidemic this year.  This increase could lead to thousands of deaths if appropriate measures are not taken to reduce malaria transmission and treat malaria cases.  As many as 15 million cases are expected between September and December 2003.

The immediate response includes the procurement and rapid distribution of essential anti-malarial drugs and laboratory supplies and insecticide for indoor residual spraying.  Insecticide-treated nets will also be distributed to well-defined groups.  These interventions will be supported by detailed microplanning and strengthened by the training of health workers on malaria epidemic prevention and control.  The WHO is providing vital technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and is looking to strengthen surveillance capacity at the regional level.  The agency is also conducting operational research to assess drug resistance and is involved in the monitoring and evaluation process.

Together with its partners, the Ministry of Health has taken action to reduce the effects of the crisis by ensuring a coordinated response.  This includes the reactivation and expansion of the existing Malaria Country Support Team at the Ministry of Health.  Task force members met on 7 October at the Ministry of Health and continue to meet weekly to review the available information on the scope of the emergency, agree on appropriate strategies, map activities and responses, and identify key gaps.  This process is soon to be replicated at the regional level.

For more info contact in Ethiopia: Angela Walker, UNICEF at tel.: 515155, Asnakew Kebede, WHO at tel.: 534747.

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