World Malaria Day Celebrated in Jigjiga, Ethiopia

“Accelerating the fight against malaria for more equitable world”

Jigjiga, Ethiopia, hosted important events focused on malaria control in May, 2024 with inspiring theme “Accelerating the fight against malaria for more equitable world” during the time, Nine-Month Performance Review Meeting (May 7-8) and Scientific symposium (May 9-10) 2024. Under the inspiring theme “Accelerating the fight against Malaria for a fairer world,” this review looked closely at the strategies, challenges, and successes in fighting this global health problem. From May 7th to 8th, 2024, people from different areas came together for a thorough performance review, followed by an interesting scientific symposium arranged by the respected EPHI, MOH Jigjiga university and Malaria Research Network (MRN) from May 9th to 10th,2024.

.Highlights included the passionate opening speech by Mr. Gudissa Assefa, the MOH Malaria and other Vector-Borne Prevention and Control Desk Leader, and the key note address by Dr. Mahmud Mohammed, Deputy Head of the Somali Regional State Health Bureau. This teamwork involved 83 participants representing national and regional groups, organizations, and partners like ICAP, PATH, and FHI360, among others. Together, they looked at the current situation, revealing worrying statistics such as over 3.3 million reported malaria cases in 2022, especially affecting areas with conflicts like Oromia. The review looked at key areas, from leadership and community engagement to logistics management and surveillance. It found important gaps, including leadership commitment and data quality, while suggesting practical solutions like checking stock levels and doing more community-based work.

Brief summary of World Malaria Day

The World Malaria Day was celebrated at Sumale Regional State in Jigjiga Town Stadium on May 11, 2024, under the theme “Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world. As part of awareness creation and social mobilization of the community during this critical period of a new surge in malaria cases, the day was celebrated in Jigjiga Town. The inhabitants of Jijiga Town celebrated the day with vibrantly organized events. Opinion leaders, higher government officials from federal and regional levels, community leaders, and partners from different organizations working in malaria participated in the World Malaria Day. The marsh bands attracted attention and got a lot of applaud from the audience, followed by various exciting games, including football matches between the Federal Ministry of Health and Regional Health Bureau staff, athletic competitions were also conducted among young atlets and a music festival featuring cultural organizations from the region.

Question and answer competitions among students were also held, and malaria testing was conducted to increase community awareness on Malaria prevention. Government officials representing Federal MOH and regional health Bureaus, Community leaders, and partner representatives made key note speeches on World Malaria Day to show their commitment in the fight against the Malaria epidemic. Finally, the day concluded with the presentation of certificates, medals, and trophies to the winners of the different competitions conducted in the stadium.