Spatial Analysis of Malaria Hotspots in Dilla Sub-Watershed: Western Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was aimed to examine the spatial variations in malaria hotspots along Dilla sub-watershed in western Ethiopia based on environmental factors for the incidences; and compare risk level among districts and their respective kebeles. Ethiopian Central Statistical Agency based meteorological data, digital elevation model, soil and hydrological data were used. Different spatial analysis tools and Software were used for watershed delineation, generating malaria risk map for all variables, reclassification of factors, weighted overlay analysis and generation of risk maps. The findings of the study reveal that all districts and kebeles have different level of malaria risk due to variation in their environmental conditions. Accordingly, significant areas in Guliso, Aira, Boji Chokorsa, Boji Dirmaji, Jarso, Najo, Gawo Kebe, and Dale Wabera are characterized as high and moderately exposed to malaria risk. More specifically, about 14 kebeles of Aira, 12 kebeles of Guliso, 8 kebeles of Jarso, 8 kebeles of Najo, 4 kebeles of Boji Chokorsa, 4 kebeles of Boji Birmaji were highly and moderately exposed to the risk. In general, out of the total area of the watershed which accounts 2773 km2, about 54.8% (1522km2) identified as high and moderate malaria risk area. The research output may help the government and humanitarian organizations to prioritize the interventions based on identified spatial variations in malaria severity. The research is aimed only for hotspot analysis which may not provide comprehensive account for community’s vulnerability to malaria. Thus, this research finding needs to be integrated with the socio-economic and other data for better malaria management in the area.