Analysis of Malaria Surveillance Data in the Southwest Ethiopia Peoples' Regional State, 2018-2024

Introduction: Malaria is a major global health challenge caused by Plasmodium parasites, significantly affects Ethiopia, particularly the Southwest Ethiopia Peoples' Regional State Trend analysis of malaria data is crucial to comprehend patterns of transmission and implement appropriate malaria control measures. We analyzed malaria surveillance data to describe its distribution and to provide insights to support public health planning and decision-making. Method We conducted a cross-sectional study design to analyze six-year malaria surveillance data from 2018 to 2024 in the Southwest Ethiopia Peoples' Regional State (SWEPRS). The malaria data were collected from regional Public Health Institute database, cleaned, compiled and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 19. Results During 2018–2024, a total of 3,888,670 suspected fever cases were tested for malaria, of which 2,117,347 (54.4%) were treated and 2,085,824 were parasitologically confirmed (slide positivity rate: 53.6%). Among confirmed cases, PF accounted for 64.3%. Malaria case fatality rate was 0.03% and a mortality rate of 26.3 per 1,000,000 population. Malaria incidence increased markedly from 2018 to 2024, with incidence of 12.1 to 274.7 per 1,000 population respectively. The overall incidence of malaria in the region was 92.6 cases per 1,000 population. Bench Sheko zones reported the highest number of cases, while Konta zone had the highest incidence (170.1 per 1,000 population). The peak month were August followed-by June, whereas the peak week were epi-week 27. Conclusion Malaria remains a major and increasing public health burden in SWEPRS, characterized by a sharp rise in incidence from 2018 to 2024, predominance of PF, and marked spatial and seasonal variations. Strengthening malaria prevention and control measures, surveillance, and targeting high-burden districts and peak transmission seasons are essential to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality in the region.