Prevalence of malaria among pregnant women attending ANC at public health institutions in Damote-Gale district, Southern Ethiopia

The study examined the prevalence of malaria among pregnant women in Damote-Gale district, southern Ethiopia, during March to May 2024. Blood samples from 389 pregnant women were analyzed using microscopic examination. The prevalence of malaria was 10.5% (95% CI: 7.7-13.6%), with P. falciparum detected in 9% of infected women, P. vivax in 1.3%, and mixed infections in 0.2%. The occurrence of malaria was significantly lower among women using bed nets (LLIN) and those exposed to indoor residual spraying (IRS). The study confirmed that malaria remains a serious health problem among pregnant women in this region and that proper use of bed nets and regular spraying can help prevent and control the disease.