Impact of luban cyclone on malaria in almahrah in Yemen

Abstract

Background: Because of the climate change, there are more impacting southern Yemen. Luban was the most recent cyclone with devastating impacts in 2018. We wanted to estimate the impact of this cyclone on malaria in Almahrah area to plan future anti malaria interventions. Methods: An independent epidemiological and evaluation team developed to review the reports and the available documents and to conduct site visits and accordingly a technical report is prepared with a clear recommendations. Findings: Incidence of malaria in Al-Mahrah was16/1000 in 2017 and 10/1000 in 2018 but the highest incidences were observed in Al-Ghydah district in 2017 (38/1000) and in Sayhout in 2018 (39/1000). High malaria incidence in Sayhout may be due to discontinuation of anti malalria interventions in 2014 and the impact of climate changes (Luban cyclone in 2018). In the current outbreak in Sayhout all forms of severe malaria were reported: malaria related deaths, cerebral malaria, severe anemia and malaria in pregnancy and among infants. . Conclusions: Malaria in Sayhout and Al-Ghydah districts represented the highest burden of malaria in Al-Maharah. It frequents cyclones hit the coastal areas of Al-Mahrah since 2015 to 2018 when the last Luban cyclone occurred. These climate changes complicate the epidemiology of malaria in Al-Mahrah and lead to a malaria epidemic especially when treatment programs are discontinued.Key Words: Malaria, climate change, Epidemiology