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

Getachew Redae Taffere

doi:10.37591/rrjoi.v8i3.595

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 ArticleGetachew 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.