Malaria in Ethiopia

According to the Ethiopian government a total of 909 146 malaria cases (34 deaths) were reported from across Ethiopia from 1 January 2025 to 28 February 2025.

In the week ending 9 February 2025, 135 032 cases (3 deaths) were reported. Of this total, case numbers were particularly high in 5 regions: Oromia (40%), Amhara (24.7%), South Ethiopia (9%), SWEPRS (7.5%), and B/Gumuz (4.2%). In addition, transmission was particularly intense in the Gambella region.

Half of these cases were the more severe P. falciparum form of malaria.

Advice for travellers

All travellers to Ethiopia should:

• be made aware of the risk of malaria, given the current increase in cases
• practice strict mosquito bite avoidance at all times, the mainstay of malaria prevention

Antimalarial chemoprophylaxis is advised for all travellers to Ethiopia, except Addis Ababa where mosquito bites must be avoided at all times; atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline or mefloquine is recommended.

Anyone travelling to Ethiopia should be vigilant for the signs of malaria during, and on return from, travel and seek immediate medical attention if they have a fever or flu-like illness.

See the TRAVAX Malaria section and Ethiopia country page for further information.