Review of the interplay between population dynamics and malaria transmission in Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background: The rapid growth of human population in malaria endemic areas has become a threat leading to the resurgence of the disease. Population growth and ecological changes in malarious areas have important implications for malaria control due to the adverse effects of the disease on the population. Objective: To examine the relationship between different aspects of population dynamics and malaria transmission in Ethiopia. Methods: Published and unpublished reports on the subject were reviewed. Internet sources, books and other relevant documents pertaining to the role of population changes and the magnitude of malaria were systematically reviewed. Findings: Malaria is the number one public health problem in Ethiopia and a major cause of illness and death. Due to the high population pressure and depletion of agricultural land in highland areas, there has been a massive population movement to the lowlands, particularly in the last two decades. Most of the population movements are from malaria free or places of moderate endemicity to highly malarious areas. The number of people estimated to be residing in malarious areas of the country has shown a dramatic increase from 17.7 million in 1965 to more than 52.6 million in 2005, due to population growth and movement. High population movement and resettlement programs in malaria endemic areas have been identified as factors that exacerbate malaria transmission. As a result, more than half a million microscopically confirmed cases and 5-6 million clinical cases of malaria are reported annually from public health facilities in the country. Conclusion: Movements into malarious areas, without substantial intervention, expose people to the risk of malaria, and further exacerbate the problem. Effective treatment of the disease with the right antimalarial drug is crucial. Thus, appropriate measures should be taken to address the consequences of developmental activities leading to ecological changes and population movements into malarious areas. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2006;20(3):137-144]