Over the past three months in Tigray, malaria has claimed the lives of 13 individuals. The Tigray Health Bureau is actively seeking assistance from the federal government for essential supplies to prevent and control malaria. However, the expected support has yet to materialize, as reported by Aregay Gebremedhin, who leads the disease prevention and control division of the regional health bureau. The deterioration of Tigray’s healthcare infrastructure has led to the spread of numerous diseases, posing a significant public health challenge.

The Tigray Health Bureau reports that malaria, declared an epidemic in the region, is rapidly spreading and now affects 66 districts. The Tigray Regional Health Office states that there have been 17,000 new infections each week for the past two weeks. The shortage of medications and anti-malarial resources is likely to worsen the situation. Aregay Gebremedhin, head of the disease prevention and control team at the Tigray Regional Health Office, informed Deutsche Welle of the unprecedented spread of malaria in Tigray.

The statement elaborated that the post-war collapse of the health system, coupled with a shortage of medical staff, a dearth of anti-malarial supplies and medications, and insufficient administrative oversight, has precipitated the spread of malaria in Tigray to an unprecedented extent, elevating the epidemic to a matter of concern.

Especially, in the northwest and central zones of Tigray, malaria is spreading extensively. Health experts indicate that the majority of malaria cases occur among individuals involved in mining and those residing in marshy regions.

Recent data indicates that malaria has resulted in 13 deaths in Tigray over the past three months. The Tigray Health Bureau is actively seeking assistance from the federal government for essential supplies to prevent and control malaria. However, the support has not met the expectations thus far, as reported by Aregay Gebremedhin, who leads the disease prevention and control department at the regional health bureau.