In Africa, Malaria continues to be a pressing Public Health concern in Africa, requiring the global community’s intense attention. Shocking figures reveal the impact of this preventable disease, with around 600,000 lives lost in 2022. The African region alone accounted for 95 percent of these tragic deaths. In this modern era, it is heartbreaking to see that a disease that has been a burden on mankind for thousands of years is still causing immense harm, particularly affecting those who are most at risk in our society.
This year’s World Malaria Day (WMD) theme “Advancing the battle against the disease for a fairer world”, highlights the pressing call for quicker action and unwavering dedication to overcome this age-old menace. In Africa, the disparity in the disease prevalence is glaring, as the most underprivileged and overlooked populations are hit hardest by the disease. Nigeria stands out in this regard, as it carries a significant portion of the world’s Malaria cases (27 percent), making the crisis especially severe in the country.
Everyone must have access to affordable and quality healthcare.
Annually, around 55 million cases of malaria are reported, with approximately 90,000 deaths, posing a major public health issue that mainly impacts underprivileged communities. The rising prices of essential antimalarial drugs have worsened this situation, making it impossible for millions of impoverished Nigerians to access life-saving treatments. When the cost of one pack of antibiotics surpasses the national monthly minimum wage, it is a clear sign that the system is neglecting to focus on the healthcare needs of its most at-risk individuals.
Current situation with the disease highlights the urgent need for action to combat Poverty and improve healthcare in Nigeria. It is crucial that everyone has access to affordable and quality healthcare, including preventative measures like bed nets and timely treatment. Health sector investments should be a top priority for governments to improve infrastructure, staffing, and program implementation. In order to tackle this formidable disease, it is essential to promote collaboration and partnerships across various sectors to combine resources and knowledge for funding, research, and innovation.
Continuous investment in research and creativity is essential.
The release of the RTS,S/AS01 Malaria Vaccine by the World Health Organization (WHO) is a symbol of optimism in the battle against the disease. Being the first vaccine created for a human parasite, it has the ability to protect numerous lives, especially those of young children under five who are most affected by the illness. The urgent demand for this vaccine in 28 African countries shows the determination to protect at-risk populations. Addressing supply constraints quickly is crucial to ensure fair access and save as many lives as possible with the vaccine.
It is crucial for Nigeria to show strong support for the advancement of new malaria vaccine options, like the R21/Matrix vaccine created by Oxford University. Continuous Investment in research and creativity is essential for creating innovative approaches to combat this persistent disease. Nigeria must also fully re-engage in the battle against this long-standing opponent with heightened energy and resolute resolve. A comprehensive strategy is needed to tackle the disease crisis in Nigeria, which thrives due to long-standing inequalities.
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Among the crucial steps of a thorough plan to control the disease includes encouraging Education in communities, advancing gender equality, and nurturing inclusive economic development. It is crucial that the nation take advantage of this opportunity to speed up the battle against the disease, not just with fragmented attempts, but with a holistic strategy that tackles the underlying issues of this ongoing public health emergency. Malaria greatly impacts productivity, education, and economic growth, leading to a cycle of poverty and hindering the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria. Thus, focusing on eliminating the disease can unleash Nigeria’s human resources and stimulate overall socioeconomic advancement.