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Methods: Published and unpublished reports on the subject were reviewed.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]