Driving Health Development and Collaboration Towards Sustainable Malaria Elimination better health
Malaria Elimination and Community Health Development and Association (MECHDA) is an indigenous not-for-profit, non-partisan and non-governmental local civil society organization. It was established on October 01, 2003 by a group of dedicated public health professionals and former Ethiopian malaria eradication program personnel.
Principles and values
Upholding the principles of honesty, responsibility.
The commitment to account for its actions and to respond periodically to questions concerning its activities.
To make decisions and implement them in a manner that follows rules and regulations.
This implies providing equal opportunity to all.
FOCUSED PROGRAMS
Targeting Malaria Prevention: Protection, Treatment, and Community Action
Malaria Elimination
strengthening surveillance, improving access to rapid diagnosis and treatment, and implementing targeted vector control strategies.
TB Elimination
TB elimination program focuses on early detection, rapid diagnosis, and effective treatment to reduce transmission.
Elimination of NTDs
focuses on mass drug administration, improved sanitation, and vector control to reduce disease burden. It strengthens community engagement
HIV/AIDS Control
early detection, and comprehensive treatment to reduce new infections and improve patient outcomes. It emphasizes community awareness, stigma reduction,
epidemic response & Disaster mitigation
Rapid detection, emergency preparedness, and effective response to minimize health impacts. It strengthens surveillance systems, enhances community resilience
Gender equ. & women empowerment
Women’s Empowerment program focuses on promoting equal opportunities, eliminating gender-based violence, and enhancing women's participation in decision-making.
Malnutrition Control
improving nutrition through access to balanced diets, maternal and child health services, and community-based interventions.
Sanitation & Hygiene
improving access to clean water, safe sanitation facilities, and hygiene education to prevent disease. It promotes handwashing
Human Right and Peace
promoting justice, equality, and social cohesion through advocacy and legal empowerment. It strengthens community engagement.
Strategies
Advocacy and social mobilization
Community empowerment (SBCC)
Accountability and community engagement
System Strengthening
Our Partners
Malaria Outbreak Response Support team of the Association Supporting the community on use of malaria services, October 2024, Wolaita Sodo
Malaria Outbreak Response Support Team of the Association participating in EOC Meeting at Wolaita Zone Health Department, October 2024
Malaria Outbreak Response Support team of the Association Supporting the community on use of malaria services, October 2024, Wolaita Sodo
Training on IRS for health workers in Hosana Town. October 2023
Advisory board meeting, December 2024, Hawassa
Malaria Outbreak Response Support team of the organization supporting the health workers on use of malaria epidemic monitoring system, October 2024, Wolaita Sodo
Malaria in Ethiopia: Key Facts
Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Ethiopia, affecting millions of people each year.
The disease is widespread in lowland and mid-altitude areas.
- Malaria is endemic in approximately 75% of Ethiopia’s land area, affecting over 60% of the population. The disease is prevalent in lowland and mid-altitude areas below 2,500 meters.
Now a days malaria in Ethiopia is prevalent through out the year. However the transmission increases after the end of the rainy seasons.
The two dominant malaria parasites in Ethiopia are:
- Plasmodium falciparum (~70%) – causes severe malaria
- Plasmodium vivax (~30%) – can relapse after treatment
Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns are influencing malaria transmission, expanding its range to previously unaffected highland areas.
The two main malaria vectors in Ethiopia are Anopheles Arabiensis and Anopheles Pharonosis. An Arabiensis is the primary and An pharoensis is a secondary vector
Malaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia, particularly affecting children under five years and pregnant women.
The Ethiopian government and global partners use multiple malaria control strategies, including:
- Community Empowerment
- Early Diagnosis and Prompt treatment
- LLINs
- Indoor Residual Spray (IRS)
The Ethiopian Ministry of Health promotes community-based health initiatives, such as the Health Extension Program, to enhance malaria prevention and treatment.
