Tackling school absenteeism from malaria in Ethiopia - in pictures

The impact of malaria epidemics, common in Ethiopia, is often seen in schools. During malaria transmission season, and particularly during an epidemic, absenteeism is common amongst students and teachers. Shinshicho primary school, in the south of the country, is in a malaria hotspot. Photograph: Malaria Consortium

At Shinshicho Primary School in southern Ethiopia, Malaria Consortium and partners have supported teachers to set up anti-malaria clubs. Informational posters are on display around the school, reinforcing the messages about malaria control learned during the clubs. Photograph: Malaria Consortium

A display of a mosquito net in the school playground reinforces not only that pupils should sleep under a net each night, but also how to correctly hang the net. Learning how to hang a mosquito net properly is critical for malaria control. Students are encouraged to demonstrate what they learn in the clubs at home to their parents and friends. Photograph: Malaria Consortium

Teachers use flash cards such as these, provided by Malaria Consortium and partners, to explain important messages such as how malaria is transmitted and why sleeping under a net at night is important to reduce risk of the disease. Photograph: Malaria Consortium

Shinshicho primary school has over 1600 students up to the age of 14. A speakerphone is part of a package of materials and training, provided by Malaria Consortium for the school clubs. It is used during assemblies or parent days to support malaria awareness raising activities. Photograph: Malaria Consortium