Trend Analysis of Malaria Prevalence in East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Western Ethiopia, 2020: A Retrospective Study

Background: Malaria, a common and life-threatening disease in many tropical and subtropical areas, caused by infection of red blood cells with protozoan parasites of the genus plasmodium inoculated into the human host by a feeding female anopheline mosquito. Malaria is a major public health problem in Ethiopia and has been consistently reported as one of the three leading top causes of morbidity and mortality. In East Wollega Zone there is lack of empirical evidences on the level of malaria prevalence. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out to determine the two year (July 2018 to June 2020) malaria prevalence based on district health information system version two (dhis2) database reports. All malaria cases reported in the specified periods were carefully reviewed by using questionnaire and analysed. Data were entered, processed and analysed into Microsoft Excel 2010 and then imported into Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Different graphs and tables were used to present trends of malaria cases and total population. Results: Between July 2018 to June 2018, a total of 125,917 suspected malaria cases examined from all districts of East Wollega Zone and 26,679(21.2%) confirmed malaria cases were reported. Malaria was reported in both sexes and all age groups, but males (14802, 55.5%), and age groups ≥ 15years (15963, 60%) were more affected. The highest peak of malaria cases was reported during autumn season (September, October, and November) followed by spring season (March, April, and May). Conclusions: Male and those age groups ≥ 15years were more affected than the others. The highest peak malaria prevalence was appeared from September to December (autumn season). Therefore, proper planning, implementation and monitor of malaria prevention and control activities should be strengthened at all levels.