Mapping malaria vulnerability hotspots using multi-criteria decision analysis, GIS, and remote sensing: a case study in Abaya Woreda, West Guji Zone, Ethiopia

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IntroductionMalaria is one of the world’s most serious public health problems and remains a leading health burden in developing countries such as Ethiopia. Large parts of the country, especially lowland areas such as Abaya Woreda, are affected by this disease. The study area is highly endemic for malaria; therefore, identifying vulnerability hotspots and implementing targeted interventions are important for reducing disease burden and saving lives. The present study aims to identify malaria vulnerability hotspot areas in Abaya Woreda, West Guji, Ethiopia, using a comprehensive geospatial approach including GIS and remote sensing techniques.MethodsTo generate a malaria vulnerability map, ten key factors representing climatic, topographic, environmental, and demographic determinants were derived from multi-source datasets, including Landsat 8, SRTM Digital Elevation Model (DEM), GPS field surveys, and CHIRPS precipitation data. The relative weights of these factors were determined using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) before being integrated via weighted overlay analysis in ArcGIS 10.8.ResultsThe results revealed that 38.3% of the study area is highly vulnerable to malaria. These areas are closely associated with lower elevations, wetlands, water bodies, greater distances from health facilities, and high population density. Furthermore, 49.1% of the area was identified as moderately vulnerable, while only 12.6% exhibited low vulnerability.ConclusionThe findings of this study provide critical, data-driven insights to support stakeholders and policymakers in designing, prioritizing, and implementing targeted, evidence-based malaria control and prevention strategies in Abaya Woreda, thereby significantly enhancing the efficiency and impact of public health interventions.