Plasmodium falciparumandPlasmodium vivaxPrevalence in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background. Malaria is a protozoan disease caused by the Plasmodium species. Among the five Plasmodium species known to infect human beings, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria are by far the most predominant and widely distributed in Ethiopia. Malaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in the sub-Saharan countries including Ethiopia. It is also a major obstacle to socio-economic development in the country. Methods. Articles were searched from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases. The pooled prevalence estimates were analyzed using the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model and the possible sources of heterogeneity were evaluated through subgroup analysis, metaregression, and sensitivity analysis. Publication bias was analyzed using funnel plots and Egger’s test statistics. The data management and analysis were done using STATA 15.1 version software. Results. Among 922 studies initially identified, thirty-five full-text articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and included in the study. The combined, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and mixed infections pooled prevalence estimates were 25.8% (95% CI: 21.3, 30.4), 14.7% (95% CI: 11.4, 18.1), 8.7% (95% CI: 7.0, 10.4), and 1.2% (95% CI: 20.7, 29.9), respectively. Based on agro-ecological subgroup analysis, the highest malaria prevalence (37.6%) was obtained from studies conducted on mixed regions of low lands and midlands while the least (20.7%) was from low lands. In Ethiopia, malaria transmission is seasonal, variable, and coincides with the peak agricultural activities that greatly affected the country’s socio-economic development. Conclusions. This systematic review and meta-analysis showed a high malaria prevalence in Ethiopia. Therefore, previous prevention and control measures should be revised and/or strengthened as appropriate and new strategies should be implemented. In addition, technical, financial and material support, and coordination of the regional capacity building and logistics should be adequately implemented.

Prevalence of Malaria among Adults in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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“…Malaria causes serious complications in human, such as severe anaemia, acute renal failure, hypoglycemia [ 10 ], loss of productivity, school absenteeism, and other complications [ 38 ]. Therefore, the accurate malaria prevalence information is vital for the proper diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and policy preparation [ 39 ].…”

Comprehensive competency assessment of malaria microscopists and laboratory diagnostic service capacity in districts stratified for malaria elimination in Ethiopia​

“…Similarly, when comparing the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) results, malaria prevalence in 2015 (1.2 percent) was reduced compared to that of 2011 results (4.5 percent) [1]. The pooled prevalence of P. falciparum and P. vivax parasites estimates in a proportion of 62.8% and 37.2%, respectively [2]. There are different malaria diagnostic methods for malaria case management; the common and routine ones are patient's clinical assessment, microscopic examination of blood slides and the use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs).…”

Spatial analysis and mapping of malaria risk areas using multi-criteria decision making in Didessa District, South West Ethiopia

“…Malaria transmission in Ethiopia is seasonal, depending mostly on altitude and rainfall, with a lag time varying from a few weeks before the beginning of the rainy season to more than a month after the end of the rainy season (Deressa et al, 2003;Tulu, 1993). From an agroecological perspective, the highest malaria prevalence was reported from a study conducted on mixed regions of low lands and midlands while the least was from low lands (Deress & Girma, 2019).…”