This is as the global health body revealed in a report it
released that Nigeria contributed the largest malaria deaths in 2020 in the
African region and globally.
It also stated that the coronavirus pandemic-related
disruptions caused tens of thousands more deaths.
The UN health agency found out that COVID-19 had reversed
progress against the mosquito-borne disease, which was already reaching its
plateau before the pandemic struck.
The WHO said, “There were an estimated 241 million cases
worldwide in 2020; 14 million more than a year earlier and the once rapidly
falling death toll swelled to 627,000 last year, jumping 69,000 from 2019.
“Approximately, two thirds of those additional deaths were
linked to disruptions in the provision of malaria prevention, diagnosis and
treatment during the pandemic.”
According to the report, 96 per cent of malaria deaths were
reported in 29 countries of the world.
“About 96 per cent of malaria deaths globally were in 29
countries. Six countries – Nigeria (27 per cent), the Democratic Republic of
the Congo (12 per cent), Uganda (five per cent), Mozambique (four per cent),
Angola (three per cent) and Burkina Faso (three per cent) – accounted for just
over half of all malaria deaths globally in 2020,” it stated.
In the data provided, the WHO noted that while Africa had a
total of 602,000 deaths out of the estimated 627,000, Nigeria accounted for
31.9 per cent of the malaria deaths on the planet, which was followed closely
by the Democratic Republic of Congo with 13.2 per cent.
Also, on the global map published in the report, it was
noted that Nigeria accounted for 26.8 per cent in the whole world.
Commenting on the report, the Head, Global Malaria
Programme, WHO, Dr Pedro Alonso, said there was a potential malaria crisis.
He said, “I think we are on the verge of a potential malaria
crisis. Not only are we not getting closer to elimination or eradication
globally, the problem is becoming worse in a substantial number of parts of
Africa.
“The African region reported a greater percentage increase
in the number of malaria cases than any region of the world.”
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