More than 7.3 million people were diagnosed with malaria, and 1,157 deaths were reported in Ethiopia from Jan. 1 to Oct. 20, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It said malaria transmission is also possible through blood transfusion, organ transplantation, or the sharing of needles or syringes contaminated with infected blood. Malaria poses a significant public health challenge in Ethiopia, where approximately 75% of the land mass is considered to be endemic to the disease, said the world health body. The UN health agency said four regions accounted for 81% of the reported cases and 89% of malaria deaths in 2024. It said the western part of Ethiopia is also experiencing a high malaria burden.