Impact of high malaria incidence in seasonal migrant and permanent adult male laborers in mechanized agricultural farms in Metema – Humera lowlands on malaria elimination program in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Seasonal migrant and permanent laborers who are working in big mechanized agricultural farms in Metema - Humera lowlands are not included in Ethiopia Malaria Elimination Program. The aim of this research was to show the high confirmed and treated malaria cases in these laborers. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the confirmed and treated malaria cases in all the districts of West, Central and North Gondar Zones, using Weekly Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) reports, was conducted to show a complete picture of the malaria incidences in the areas. RESULT: A total of 3,485,646 confirmed malaria cases were treated in Amhara region during 2013 to 2017. Of the total malaria cases in the Amhara region during these period, 1, 286, 848 cases or 37.2% were originated from West, Central and North Gondar Zones. But these 3 Zones contribute only 17% of Amhara region population. Of all the confirmed malaria cases reported in the 3 Zones, 41.7% (536,749/1286, 848) was reported from the three lowland districts (Metema, West Armachiho and Quara) of the West Gondar Zone during the same study period. But, the West Gondar Zone has only around 10% of the population in these three zones. The highest annual parasite incidence for malaria was found in West Armachiho district. Majority of above 14 years malaria cases in West Gondar zone were found from laborers. CONCLUSION: Migrant and permanent laborers working in mechanized agricultural fields in Metema - Humera lowlands are highly exposed to malaria and immediate interventions are required.