Malaria prone area analysis and mapping using geospatial tools: The case of Amibara and Gewane Woreda, afar region, Ethiopia

Malaria is one of the most killer diseases in our planet earth. It is the primary cause of patient talks, admissions and demise every year in Ethiopia. It is important to reduce the transmission and effects of the problem identifying and mapping the malaria risk area using geospatial technologies. The general objective of the study is to analyze and map malaria prone areas using geospatial tools in Amibara and Gewanie Woredas of Afar Region. The specific objectives are to identify parameters that contribute to malaria hazard in the study area and to classify and map areas at risk of malaria. To achieve the stated objectives, the researchers employed spatial modeling technique particularly Weighted Overlay Analysis (WOA). Climatic data, topographical data and infrastructural data are the major data of the study. These data were processed and analyzed by ArcGIS, Erdas imagine, Idrisi, 3DEM terrain visualization and global mapper software. The result showed that the area is suitable moderately and marginally for malaria. From the total area of the study, 35 and 65% were moderately and marginally suitable for the occurrence of malaria respectively. Therefore, as malaria is one of the killer diseases the concerned bodies should use the technologies to prevent and control the transmission of malaria in the study area and there should be health package to prevent the diseases. Key words: Malaria mapping, geospatial tools.