Epidemiological situation

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Yemen

Situation analysis

Malaria is one of the most serious health problems in Yemen. Approximately 60% of the population live in areas with malaria transmission. P. falciparum accounts for more than 90% of malaria cases. Social unrest during the 1990s brought about almost a complete halt to malaria control activities in the country, resulting in a serious deterioration of the malaria situation. The instability, in addition to climatic changes and heavy rainfalls, contributed to malaria epidemics in 1996 and 1998.

An. arabiensis, is the major vector in the mainland. In Socotra Island and Al Mahra governorate, An. culicifacies, a moderately effective vector, is the main malaria vector.

In 2001, the NMCP was established with a 5-year plan of action for malaria control. The RBM control programme initially focused on high-risk areas including the Tihama coastal belt, selected districts in foothill and mountainous areas and Socotra Island.

As a result of interventions by newly rehabilitated malaria control programme, the number of reported malaria cases has fallen considerably in areas under RBM support, notably in Socotra Island where is aiming for elimination. The malaria information system is still weak and reported figures are underestimating the real burden.

Yemen has more than $ 27 million from GFATM round 7 for malaria. Implementation of first phase with more than $ 8 million started in 2008.  

Malaria epidemiology  

The point estimate of number of annual malaria incidence in Yemen is 287000 (178000-430000). The number of reported cases in 2008 was 158,648. Only 28% of reported malaria cases were parasitologically confirmed. No indigenous malaria have been detected since 2006. Assessment of malaria elimination activities in Socotra Island was done in 2008 and plan of action was developed.

Anti-malarial drug policy