Nigeria is not far from being malaria free, it only takes a will at the wheels of consistency.
Malaria poses a significant public health challenge in Nigeria. According to the National Institutes of Health, the annual economic burden of malaria in Nigeria is N9.92 billion. Despite concerted efforts by the government, healthcare professionals, and international partners, Nigeria still faces difficulties in combatting the disease.
Hence, the theme for this year, “Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world,” holds particular relevance for Nigeria.
Stopping Malaria In Its Tracks
Malaria, a disease transmitted by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes carrying the plasmodium parasite, remains a significant health concern in Nigeria. Endemic throughout the country, particularly in rural areas, malaria poses a year-round threat to public health.
The economic impact of malaria in Nigeria is staggering, with the National Institutes of Health estimating the annual burden at N9.92 billion. Despite collaborative efforts from the government, healthcare professionals, and international partners, Nigeria grapples with ongoing challenges in its fight against malaria.
Thus, this year’s theme carries profound importance for Nigeria as it seeks to intensify its efforts in combating this pervasive disease.
According to WHO, Nigeria shoulders a substantial burden of malaria, with the highest number of cases and deaths worldwide.
In 2020, Nigeria represented approximately 27 percent of all malaria cases globally and 23 percent of malaria-related deaths, as reported by Medicines for Malaria Venture. These statistics highlight the critical necessity for heightened initiatives aimed at controlling and ultimately eradicating malaria within the country.
Saima Wazed, WHO regional representative, emphasizes the need for renewed focus on addressing barriers to health equity, gender equality, and human rights in malaria responses. Efforts must be intensified to overcome these challenges and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographical location, have access to essential malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services.
Furthermore, leveraging digital technology can enhance our understanding of the diverse health needs of populations. It enables the collection and analysis of data and real-time monitoring of progress. This approach allows for the identification and addressing of health inequities through both established interventions and innovative service delivery methods.
What Stakeholders Must do To End Malaria In Nigeria
Stakeholders and the government must address several key areas to effectively combat malaria in Nigeria:
1. Improve Access to Interventions: Despite the existence of effective tools like insecticide-treated nets and antimalarial drugs, access to these interventions remains limited in many regions of Nigeria. Efforts should focus on expanding access to these tools to ensure broader coverage.
2. Combat Drug-Resistant Strains: The emergence of drug-resistant malaria strains poses a significant challenge to control efforts. Developing new treatment strategies and adapting existing ones is essential to combatting this issue effectively.
3. End Discrimination and Stigma: Nigeria should work towards ending discrimination and stigma associated with malaria. Engaging communities in health decision-making and bringing healthcare closer to where people live and work through primary health care services can help achieve this.
4. Address Risk Factors: It’s crucial to address factors that increase malaria risk, such as stagnant water breeding grounds for mosquitoes and lack of proper sanitation.
5. Implement Universal Health Coverage: Including malaria control interventions in universal health coverage initiatives is vital. Nigeria should align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 3, which targets the eradication of malaria, tuberculosis, AIDS, and other communicable diseases by 2030.
6. Intensify Distribution and Awareness Campaigns: The government should intensify efforts to distribute insecticide-treated nets, conduct indoor and outdoor spraying, provide antimalarial drugs, and promote community-based prevention and treatment services. Additionally, awareness campaigns about malaria prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment should be intensified to educate the public about the importance of these measures.
Countries Free Of Malaria
Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, Lesotho, Algeria, Mauritius, and Seychelles have attained certification as malaria-free countries. In January, Cape Verde joined this list.
The WHO awarded its inaugural set of malaria-free certificates in 1963 to countries such as New Zealand, Tonga, and Fiji, while Cuba received its certification in 1973.
