As the global community marks World Malaria Day today, Nigeria is still a long way from eliminating the disease. In essence, too many people are still dying annually from the disease despite the broad preventive and treatment measures available. The federal, state, and local governments should therefore intensify efforts to eliminate the deadly disease.
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the plasmodium parasite, transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. In Nigeria, malaria is endemic, with transmission occurring year-round, particularly in rural communities.
Malaria is a major public health challenge in Nigeria. The National Institutes of Health, a United States agency, says the annual economic burden of malaria in Nigeria is N9.92 billion. Despite efforts by the government, healthcare professionals, and international partners, Nigeria continues to struggle in its battle against the disease.
Therefore, this year’s theme, “Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world,” holds significance for Nigeria.
People most susceptible to malaria attacks include pregnant women, infants, children under five years of age, refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons.
In 2022, there were 608,000 malaria deaths in the world and 249 million new cases. In all, 94 per cent of all malaria cases are in the WHO African Region, which Nigeria accounts significantly for.
According to WHO, Nigeria bears a significant burden of malaria, accounting for the highest number of cases and deaths globally. In 2020, Nigeria accounted for approximately 27 per cent of all malaria cases worldwide and 23 per cent of malaria deaths, per Medicines for Malaria Venture. These statistics underscore the urgent need for intensified efforts to control and eliminate malaria in the country.
In comparison, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, Lesotho, Algeria, Mauritius, and Seychelles have been certified malaria-free. In January, Cape Verde joined the list. The WHO issued its first set of malaria-free certificates in 1963 to the likes of New Zealand, Tonga, and Fiji. Cuba received its certification in 1973.
On WMD 2024, Nigeria should join the world to end discrimination and stigma; engage communities in health decision-making; bring health care close to where people live and work through primary health care; address factors that increase malaria risk; and include malaria control interventions in universal health coverage.
The Nigerian authorities should tap into the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to eradicate malaria, tuberculosis, AIDS, and other communicable diseases by 2030.
Despite the availability of effective tools for malaria prevention and treatment, such as insecticide-treated nets and antimalarial drugs, access to these interventions remains limited in many parts of Nigeria.
The emergence of drug-resistant strains of the malaria parasite poses a challenge to malaria control efforts, necessitating the development of new treatment strategies.
The Nigerian government has significantly invested in malaria control and elimination efforts over the years. The National Malaria Elimination Programme oversees malaria control activities, with support from various partners, including the Global Fund, the World Bank, and NGO
The cost of medication to treat malaria is on the high side. Poor households, which account for more than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s 223 million population, find it difficult to afford malaria medication.
To make its efforts count, the government should intensify the distribution of insecticide-treated nets, indoor and outdoor spraying, provision of antimalarial drugs, and promotion of community-based malaria prevention and treatment services. The government should intensify the campaigns to raise awareness about malaria prevention and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
It should increase funding for malaria control programmes.
However, sustained political will, commitment, and resources are essential to achieve the goal of a malaria-free Nigeria.
