Fighting Malaria in Afar
Ethiopia is one of the poorest and most densely populated countries in Africa. Of the 182 countries on the UN Human Development Index, it ranks almost at the bottom at 171.
The remote region of Afar has poor infrastructure, few social services and scattered nomadic populations. The general health and socio-economic indicators in Afar are some of the worst in the country:
Literacy is at 7% - the lowest in Ethiopia. Of every 1000 children born, 118 will die and only 3% of the population receives immunization against disease. Access to health services is extremely low. There are also only two referral hospitals serving a population of over 1.3 million.
February 2011
Independent researchers recently travelled to Afar to study the impact of AMREF’s work fighting malaria in the region.
We are pleased to report 350,000 people have benefitted from the program!
- Malaria cases have been reduced from 62% to 41%
- Malaria deaths have reduced from 25% to 2%
- The Head of the Amibara Health Office said that while malaria accounted for 90% of total outpatient visits before AMREF distributed malaria nets, it currently stands at 30%
Here is more information on the work AMREF has done fighting malaria in Afar!
Distributing Mosquito Nets
AMREF distributed 145,000 insecticide treated nets reaching 72,500 houses. Almost 90% of the nets were distributed to pregnant women and children under five, as they are most vulnerable to malaria.
Training and Education
Health Workers - AMREF provided l training to 62 health workers working at local clinics in Afar on improving the quality of diagnosis and management of malaria cases.
Health Extension Workers – Community health workers (also known as health extension workers in Ethiopia) are crucial in bringing better health to remote regions like Afar. AMREF trained 40 health extension workers in administering “Rapid Diagnostic Tests” helping diagnose malaria quickly and accurately.
Mother Coordinators – Mother Coordinators are volunteer community leaders who provide basic but life-saving education on preventing, diagnosing and treating malaria. AMREF has trained 454 Mother Coordinators in Afar who visit 30 households in the region every month.
In total, Afar’s Mother Coordinators have reached 52,000 houses!
Public Education
Malaria Prevention Toolkit – A toolkit was designed for Mother Coordinators to use when educating their community members on malaria prevention and treatment. The toolkit is made up of a series of pictures, making it accessible to everyone regardless of their education level.
Information Materials - Numerous information materials about malaria prevention and treatment including posters, brochures and billboards were produced in Afarigna (the local language) and distributed to health offices across the district. AMREF also printed health messages on t-shirts, hats and umbrellas (mother coordinators use umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun).
Public Events - AMREF organized public events to share information and mobilize larger groups of people on malaria prevention and control. AMREF gathered 112 people, including members of the District Council, Ministries of Health, Education and Women’s Affairs and representatives from the local elementary and secondary schools, at the Gewane District Administration’s Meeting Hall to commemorate World Malaria Day.
The event was the first time World Malaria Day was celebrated in Afar and included a panel discussion and “Question and Answer” session. As well, to celebrate Malaria Week, AMREF held a one-day workshop in the town of Awash involving 33 participants from six districts and focused on epidemic preparedness.
Major Project Funders:
Addax Petrolem Foundation
Fighting Malaria in Afar was originally funded by:
The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
The Harrison McCain Foundation
Mr.Tom Lane
Learn more about malaria and AMREF’s work in;
Kenya
South Africa
Southern Sudan
Tanzania
Uganda
