Malaria, a silent killer and a major public health problem

Malaria is a potentially fatal disease that accounts for a significant proportion of cases and deaths worldwide. As a tropical country, Nigeria is prone to malaria transmission by the female Anopheles mosquito.

Alarmingly, 76% of Nigeria’s population is exposed to malaria due to high transmission areas. In 2019, Nigeria recorded 27% of global malaria cases and 24% of deaths, according to the World Malaria Report 2020.

In 2021, approximately 247 million cases of malaria were reported worldwide and approximately 619,000 people died. Four African countries accounted for just over half of the world’s malaria deaths: Nigeria (31.3%), Democratic Republic of Congo (12.6%), Tanzania (4.1%) and Niger (3.9%).

This disease has considerable negative consequences on society and the economy. It is characterized by high morbidity and mortality, with the disease being one of the leading causes of illness and death in Nigeria, particularly among children under five years of age and pregnant women.

Malaria poses a significant economic burden to households, communities and the nation, with costs that include health expenditures, lost productivity and reduced economic activity. Repeated episodes of malaria lead to absenteeism, poor school performance and increased school dropout rates among children.

Now that the rains are here, malaria cases are increasing and mosquitoes are developing resistance to some drugs. To put it bluntly, some people treat malaria all year round.

The Nigerian government at all levels and citizens must take the fight against malaria seriously. While the government has a major role to play, the fight against malaria requires collective efforts.

Citizens should implement indoor residual spraying and environmental management strategies to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and the government should increase access to insecticide-treated bed nets.

Dayo DaSilva is a media consultant and editor, writing from Ogun State.