Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases
We coordinate and support policies and strategies to enhance global access to interventions for the prevention, control, elimination and eradication of neglected tropical diseases, including some zoonotic diseases.

Ethiopia

Epidemiological updates

Status as of 30 October 2020

 

Ethiopia reported 11 human cases in 2020 compared with zero cases in 2018 and 2019.

The human cases were reported from 5 villages as a result of an apparent one source outbreak-most of the patients had possibly drank contaminated water from a pond in Duli Farm in Gog in the past 10–14 months.

  • Gambella Region
    • Gog Woreda
      • Angundack (Diredawa) (1 case)
      • Duli Village (Angota Side) (5 cases)
      • Metaget Dipach (1 case)
      • Pochalla D: PRC- A (3 cases)
      • Wadmaro (1 case)

Most of the patients were adult males.

A total of 4 infected baboons, 8 infected cats and 3 infected dogs were detected from January to October 2020 in the same woreda where human cases were reported since 2016. None of the infected baboons was contained; all the infected cats and dogs were contained. The programme has extended vector control interventions in the concerned areas. Additional efforts are being taken towards mapping of and targeting all transmission sources in the endemic areas.

Of the 17431 rumours reported and investigated, 100% were investigated within 24 hours.  

Since 1996, the Ethiopian Dracunculiasis Eradication Programme has offered a cash reward for voluntary reporting of dracunculiasis cases and for complying with the case containment measures. In 2018, the award was increased from Birr 2000 [about US$ 65, current exchange rate] to Birr 10 000 [about US$ 350]. A reward of Birr 500 is offered for reporting an infected dog. Please call toll-free number 8335 or report to the nearest health facility immediately to receive the cash reward of Birr 10 000 for a confirmed case of guinea-worm disease.

Latest reports

Summary of the Fortieth Meeting of the International Task Force for Disease Eradication (ITFDE) October 28-29, 2025

The 40th meeting of the International Task Force for Disease Eradication (ITFDE) was convened in a hybrid (in-person and virtual) format at The Carter...

Dracunculiasis eradication: global surveillance summary, 2024

Following the recommendations of the International Commission for the Certification of Dracunculiasis Eradication (ICCDE), WHO has certified 200 countries,...

Summaries

2018

Ethiopia reported zero human cases and 17 animals (11 dogs, 5 cats and 1 baboon) with Dracunculus medinensis infections for the period January to December 2019.

In 2018, 160 villages were under active surveillance. Of the 18540 rumours reported and investigated, more than 99% were investigated within 24 hours.

2017

Ethiopia reported 15 human cases in 2017 compared with 3 cases in 2016.

The human cases were reported from 5 villages.

  • Gambella Region
    • Abobo
      • Gutok village (1 case)
    • Gambella town
      • G/HC (1 case)
    • Itang district
      • Mohamed Cresher (1 case)
  • Oromia Region
    • Anfilo Woreda
      • Gomi village (8 cases)
      • Duri village (3 cases)
    • Goru Gutu Woreda
      • Amegolo village (1 case)

Most of the patients were adult males who had possibly drank contaminated water in Goyi Farm in Abobo in the past 10–14 months.

A total of 4 infected baboons and 11 infected dogs were detected from January to October 2017 in the same woreda where human cases were reported in 2016. None of the infected baboons was contained; 7 of the infected dogs were contained.

Of the 13 433 rumours reported and investigated, more than 96.85% were investigated within 24 hours.