The ongoing struggle against malaria in Nigeria raises concerns regarding the country's capacity to replicate the successful eradication of malaria achieved by Egypt, Algeria, Cape Verde, and Mauritius.
Can Nigeria replicate this success, or do its distinct challenges necessitate a different strategy?
With its tropical climate and large population, Nigeria bears a substantial share of the global malaria burden.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that as of 2021, Nigeria was responsible for nearly 30 percent of all malaria cases worldwide, resulting in approximately 194,000 deaths each year.
In areas such as the Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, malaria poses not only a health risk but also a threat to family stability, education, and economic well-being.
For individuals like Mr. Peter Zaka, a farmer receiving treatment at a primary healthcare center in Kuje, malaria is a harsh reality. Zaka has tragically lost two children to the disease in the last five years.
"We try to protect ourselves with mosquito nets, but it’s insufficient. Sometimes we can’t afford new nets, and the ones we do buy wear out quickly," Zaka shared.
His experience is all too common in Nigeria, where malaria remains a leading cause of mortality, especially in rural regions where access to healthcare is limited and preventive measures are often unreliable.
The burden of malaria in Nigeria varies widely by region, influenced by climate, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors.
According to a 2022 WHO report, the highest prevalence rates are typically found in the northern and central regions, where healthcare facilities are scarce. In contrast, southern areas, while still affected, generally have better access to healthcare resources.
This inequality highlights the necessity for tailored interventions that tackle specific regional issues while ensuring that resources are allocated to the areas most in need.
In Sokoto State, located in the northern part of Nigeria, Mrs. Mariam Abdullahi, a mother of three, is continually anxious about her children's health, particularly during the rainy season when malaria cases rise sharply.
Despite her efforts to use Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs), her youngest child has suffered from malaria several times this year.
“Sometimes, we lack the funds for transportation or treatment, and I have to borrow from neighbors,” Abdullahi explained.
She emphasized the financial and emotional burden that malaria imposes on families in underprivileged areas.
Although awareness campaigns have increased, the inconsistent use of ITNs remains a significant hurdle.
Cultural beliefs, economic limitations, and environmental factors contribute to this issue. In certain communities, individuals may avoid ITNs due to misunderstandings regarding their safety or effectiveness, while others find them uncomfortable to use, particularly in Nigeria's humid climate.
Moreover, the financial strain of frequently replacing worn-out nets adds to the difficulties faced by low-income households.
The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2023-24 indicates both advancements and ongoing challenges.
While ITN ownership has risen, especially in rural areas where ownership rates exceed those in urban settings, the rates of actual usage continue to be inconsistent.
In regions such as Zamfara and Kaduna, households may possess insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) but tend to use them inconsistently, often due to insufficient knowledge regarding their proper upkeep or the cost of replacements.
Recently, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, advocated for a reassessment of Nigeria's malaria control strategies.
During a meeting with partners from the Malaria Alliance, RBM Malaria Partnership, and the WHO Global Malaria Programme, Pate recognized that despite over seven decades of initiatives, Nigeria continues to face a significant malaria challenge.
“Nigeria is still grappling with a high burden of malaria,” he remarked, underscoring the necessity for immediate action.
He pointed out alarming figures: 68 million malaria cases and 194,000 fatalities each year as of 2021.
Ms. Amie Batson, president of WomenLift Health, highlighted the disproportionate effects of malaria on women and young girls in underserved communities.
“Women’s leadership is crucial for crafting innovative and gender-sensitive solutions, particularly in the face of challenges such as drug resistance and climate change,” Batson stated.
Empowering women to take the lead in malaria elimination and climate-resilient health strategies could significantly enhance Nigeria’s response to the disease.
Dr. Adekunle Charles, CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, stressed that relying solely on traditional methods will not be adequate for the eradication of malaria.
“When it comes to malaria, the strategies that have brought us this far will not suffice to eradicate the disease completely,” he noted.
Chase urged for innovative approaches and collaborative efforts across various sectors.
As Nigeria aims to become one of the malaria-free countries, experts suggest a blend of targeted interventions and enhanced support for local healthcare systems, particularly in rural regions.
Dr. Olayinka Umar-Farouk, Deputy Project Director for Risk Communication at Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria, advocates for improved community involvement through educational initiatives and enhanced distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and intermittent preventive treatment using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in areas at high risk.
"Confronting the rising issue of drug resistance is essential, as is bolstering surveillance to track malaria trends and quickly address emerging threats," Umar-Farouk emphasized.
She noted that the survey results indicate that while Nigeria has achieved notable advancements, there remain significant challenges in the ongoing battle against malaria.
By adopting these focused recommendations, the nation could make considerable progress in mitigating malaria's effects on public health, thereby enhancing the quality of life for millions of its citizens.
Achieving malaria-free status in Nigeria may necessitate more than simply emulating the strategies of Egypt, Algeria, Cape Verde, and Mauritius.
The country's distinct demographic, climatic, and economic factors require a customized strategy that integrates global best practices with local knowledge.
Through the implementation of expert recommendations and the empowerment of community leadership, Nigeria has the potential to significantly reduce the impact of malaria and improve the living conditions for millions.
Pate’s call for a thorough evaluation, along with community-led initiatives and gender-sensitive solutions, represents a vital effort to tackle Nigeria’s specific malaria challenges.
With concentrated, cooperative actions among federal and state governments, the private sector, and international allies, Nigeria could potentially overcome its malaria challenges and serve as a model for other countries facing similar endemic issues.