<p>PRISMA-P-checklist.</p>

Eligible studies will include observational studies reporting asymptomatic malaria among school-aged children in Ethiopia. Two independent reviewers will conduct study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for prevalence studies. A random-effects meta-analysis will be performed using R software to estimate the pooled prevalence.

Heterogeneity will be assessed using Cochran’s Q test and I² statistics, and subgroup analyses will be conducted by diagnostic method, study area, study design, years of actual data collection, and transmission season during data collection. Where sufficiently comparable adjusted estimates are available, associations between prespecified factors and AMI will also be quantitatively synthesized.</p> <p>Conclusion</p><p>The findings will generate comprehensive evidence to support malaria control and elimination strategies in Ethiopia by highlighting the epidemiological importance of school-aged children as a potential reservoir for infection.

The results are expected to inform targeted interventions and strengthen school-based malaria surveillance and prevention programs.</p></div>