A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report revealed the burgeoning malaria infection level that continues to stand as a significant public health crisis in Nigeria. The country accounted for 31.3 per cent of global malaria deaths recorded in 2021. Generally, the African region continues to bear the burden of malaria infections as it represents a high percentage of the global malaria burden. Per statistics, the region was home to about 95% of the global malaria cases and 96% of deaths out of the 247 million malaria cases recorded in 2021.
The region’s children under five years of age accounted for about 80 percent of malaria deaths. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (12.6%), the United Republic of Tanzania (4.1%), and Niger (3.9%)are the other four African countries hit by the infection that drove four African states to account for over 50% of all malaria fatalities globally during the time. Additionally, more than 96% of all malaria cases were concentrated in only 29 nations.
Nationwide malaria prevalence in Nigeria has been steadily decreasing.
According to the findings of the most recent edition of the World Malaria Report published by the World Health Organization (WHO), the total number of people infected with malaria rose from 245 million in the year 2020 to 247 million in the year 2021. Malaria was responsible for the deaths of 619,000 persons in 2021, which was a decrease from the previous year’s figure of 625,000 deaths. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, this has resulted in an increase of 2 million cases but a reduction of 6 million deaths.
However, the nationwide malaria prevalence in Nigeria has been steadily decreasing from 42% in 2010 to 27% in 2015, 23% in 2018, and 22% in 2021, according to a study of health indicators conducted for that year. The Nigerian government must strive to meet the WHO targets for reducing and ending malaria transmission worldwide, notwithstanding the minimal success. These include lowering the number of new cases of malaria by at least 90%, the number of deaths from malaria by at least 90%, the presence of malaria in at least 35 countries, and the return of malaria in any country that has previously not been declared malaria-free by 2030.
WHO highlighted the vaccine’s capacity to decrease malaria drastically.
In 2021, the World Health Organization authorized widespread administration of the RTS, S/ASOI malaria vaccine to kids in areas with moderate to high P. falciparum malaria transmission, bringing the hope of a malaria vaccine one step closer to fruition. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the malaria vaccine’s capacity to drastically decrease malaria, particularly lethal severe malaria, in young children. The government of Nigeria must take additional measures to substantially lower the alarmingly high malaria count by mandating procedures to restrict the spread of the infection. Nigeria may become a “malaria-free country” by 2030 if the government and other stakeholders are dedicated to the cause.
As of 2015, the World Health Organization has recognized malaria-free status in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Kyrgyzstan, Paraguay, Uzbekistan, Argentina, Algeria, China, and El Salvador (2021). As stated in the WHO’s essential facts, malaria is a potentially fatal infection caused by plasmodium parasites and spread through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria symptoms, such as fever, headache, and chills, were noted by experts. These symptoms often manifest themselves 10 to 15 days following an infected mosquito bite.
ITNs, IRS are the two thriving interventions in halting malaria spread.
While malaria infection may be fatal, it is proven to be prevented, cured, and its spread is reduced if diagnosed and treated early. The World Health Organization has suggested that all cases of probable malaria be verified by microscopy or a fast diagnostic test that relies on the presence of malaria parasites. Two successful interventions in halting the spread of malaria are the distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS). Furthermore, preventative chemotherapies are easily accessible and may successfully avert the early signs of the disease.
Related Link
WHO: Website
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Increasing malaria burden in Nigeria – Nigeria accounts for 31.3 per cent of global malaria deaths recorded in 2021. – Express your point of view.
The record shows there’s still work to do concerning the high count of malaria.The govt must take additional measures to substantially lower the alarmingly high malaria count by mandating procedures to restrict the spread of the infection.
Malaria is actually a terrible sickness. It can easily kill anytime. It is always important to Nick it in the bud very early. Once malaria is detected early it should be treated. It kills s lot of people and render their immune system powerless.
Malaria may be fatal, but it can be cured and also prevented. Nigeria holding record of highest malaria-caused deaths in infant seem to be a result of little or no information and also almost inaccessibility of medical attention
the rising prevalence of malaria, which remains a substantial threat to the nation’s overall public health and poses a significant challenge for Nigeria.
As a whole, the African region is the one that is expected to continue bearing the burden of malaria infections because it accounts for a significant proportion of the worldwide malaria burden.
our government really need to do more when it comes to malaria and roll out several malaria program for the benefits of the citizenry in order to save lots of people especially the children that are prone to it.
countries in Africa that were struck by the infection that caused four African states to account for more than 50 percent of all deaths caused by malaria worldwide during that time period.
Any measure or solutions that can be done to eradicate or reduce malaria prevalence in the country should be done by the government or non governmental organizations responsible for the awareness and eradication of the disease.
Despite the limited achievement so far, the government of Nigeria has a responsibility to work toward meeting the World Health Organization’s goals for lowering and ultimately eliminating malaria transmission worldwide.
We need to do something about malaria it kill people easily and the percentage of death is high necessary step to be taking to stop or reduce the malaria killing of people. Life need to be save against malaria
Malaria is very common in Africa due to our climate and this has cause lots of death and everything that is needed to be done should be put in place to curb it or totally eradicate it.
In addition, prophylactic chemotherapies are not difficult to get and have the potential to be effective in preventing the disease’s earliest symptoms.
It is imperative that the government of Nigeria take additional steps to significantly cut down on the troublingly high number of malaria cases by adopting procedures that would limit the spread of the sickness.
Microscopy or a rapid diagnostic test that relies on the presence of malaria parasites has been proposed as a method for confirming the presence of malaria by the World Health Organization (WHO), which has recommended that all suspected cases of malaria be investigated.
the increasing incidence of malaria, which continues to represent a considerable risk to the nation’s overall public health and presents Nigeria with a huge challenge.
Malaria is lethal yet treatable and preventable. Nigeria has the most newborn malaria-related mortality due to lack of knowledge and medical care.
Malaria kills individuals very quickly, and the death toll is disproportionately high; urgent action is required to stem the tide of malaria deaths.
Our government needs to take greater action against malaria and implement many programs for the benefit of the populace if it is to save many lives, particularly the vulnerable youngsters.
The government or non-governmental groups in charge of spreading awareness and eradicating the disease should take any action or implement any remedies that may be taken to eradicate or lower the prevalence of malaria in the nation.
The death cause by Malaria can be prevented in Nigeria if only our government can do more for us.
The percentage of malaria in Nigeria is still on the high side. The federal government still have a lot of work to do to beat down that percentage. To be honest I don’t see our government doing anything in regards to WHO’s directive on malaria.
That percentage of malaria cases in Nigeria is still high which is almost almost one-third of the world total malaria cases. Our government still needs to do more. The recent situation in Nigeria has made our government to careless about the healthcare sector. Now that WHO has given the task to stamp out malaria from Nigeria, I hope they will do the needful.