Trends of malaria cases (plasmodium species) in Gute Health Center, Wayu Tuka District, East Wollega Zone, (2013-2022): A cross-sectional study

Background: Malaria is one of the biggest public health challenges in Ethiopia that has hampered the country's economic growth and development, and the government is on track to reduce malaria prevalence by 80% by 2025.

Objective: As a result, the purpose of this study was to examine the trends in malaria prevalence in Wayu Tuqa District, Gute Health Center, over the last 10 years (2013-2022).

Material and methods: A retrospective analysis was undertaken to identify the patterns of malaria cases in Wayu Tuqa District, Gute Health Center, from 2013 to 2022 by evaluating the malaria registration laboratory logbook. All socio-demographic data, as well as the year, month, and malaria prevalence, were obtained using a predesigned data collection form from previous years.

Results: In this study, 3402 (22.50%) of the total 15,040 probable patients had malaria. P. falciparum was the most common species, accounting for 82.84% (2818) of the total, followed by P. vivax (16.00%) (547). Males and people over the age of 15 were the most affected demographics.

Conclusion: In this study, the highest number of malaria cases were observed in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Furthermore, the autumn season had the highest incidence of malaria cases, 40% (1339), while the spring season had the lowest prevalence, 16% (546). The general trend of plasmodium species at Gute Health Center over the previous 10 years (2013-2022) has not shown inconsistent trends. As a result, proper malaria prevention and control planning, implementation, and monitoring should be strengthened at all levels.