15 million Ethiopians at risk of contracting malaria this year, UN says

As many as 15 million Ethiopians face the threat of dying from malaria before the end of this year, prompting a call today by United Nations relief agencies for urgent funding to avoid a major humanitarian disaster.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) said today from Addis Ababa that, although donors have responded generously recently, more money is needed immediately to ensure an epidemic does not occur.

UNICEF estimates that only two out of three malaria victims will receive drugs if current funding spending continues in Ethiopia. Together, the two agencies have also estimated an extra $5.8 million is wanted to help potential malaria sufferers.

Tackling malaria has always been a problem in Ethiopia, thanks to the numerous "malaria mosquitoes" that carry the disease, according to the agencies. But this year's long dry season, followed by higher rain than usual and the after-effects of a drought, have made conditions ideal for mosquito breeding. The problem is most acute in the regions of Amhara, Oromiya and that controlled by the Southern Nations Nationality and People's Region.