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Scientific solutions to Malaria in Nigeria

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By Abundance Adenola

Exploring innovative and long-lasting solutions to tackle the disease.

Nigeria is home to mosquito-borne diseases, particularly malaria, which has plagued the Nigerian healthcare system for years, leaving millions of citizens affected every year. Despite widespread efforts, including the use of insecticide-treated nets and chemicals, Malaria continues to persist, contributing to illness and significant economic strain. In 2022, the World Health Organization’s Malaria Report stated that Nigeria accounted for 26.8% of global malaria deaths, with children under five making up 78% of these fatalities.

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Considering the statistics, the impact of malaria on Nigeria is immense, as the disease not only accounts for a high percentage of medical visits and hospitalisations but also contributes significantly to mortality rates, especially among children and pregnant women. Beyond the health costs, the economic impact is also severe, as it leads to costly healthcare, loss of productivity, absenteeism in schools, increased poverty, and lower agricultural productivity. These problems place significant strain on families and Nigeria as a whole, showing the urgent need to reduce malaria and improve both Public Health and economic stability.

Sterile insect technique lowers the chances of malaria transmission.

This ongoing plague has led to a number of proposed solutions, such as indoor residual spraying, the use of anti-malarial drugs, and environmental management. However, despite these efforts, progress has been limited, and malaria remains a significant challenge. At the same time, the main WHO-recommended antimalarial treatment, artemisinin-based combination therapy, is losing its effectiveness as the malaria parasite develops resistance. According to a UNITAID report, the growing resistance to artemisinin is particularly concerning, as the parasite has already shown reduced susceptibility to the drug in key regions. This threatens years of progress in malaria control. In response, scientists are now exploring more innovative options, including the use of infertile mosquitoes, which could offer a new approach to curbing malaria.

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The use of infertile mosquitoes, first developed in the United States, is emerging as a promising method for malaria control in Nigeria. This approach is based on the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), in which large numbers of male mosquitoes are sterilised, typically through radiation or chemicals. These sterile males are then released into the wild, where they mate with females. Since the males are infertile, no eggs are produced, and the mosquito population gradually decreases. Over time, this reduction in mosquito numbers lowers the chances of malaria transmission, as fewer mosquitoes are available to carry and spread the Plasmodium parasite.

New method is cost-effective and caters to all regions.

One of the key advantages of using this method is that it targets the reproductive cycle of mosquitoes, which could offer a more sustainable solution compared to methods like insecticide spraying and the use of mosquito nets in Nigeria. These methods are fleeting and often lose effectiveness over time as mosquitoes develop resistance. Infertile mosquitoes, on the other hand, do not require the use of chemicals, thereby reducing the environmental and health risks associated with pesticide exposure. In addition, this method is cost-effective in the long run, as it does not require continuous chemical applications or insecticide purchases.

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Moreover, for a country like Nigeria, where malaria continues to plague both individuals and the economy, the introduction of infertile mosquitoes could potentially be a game-changer. With its large population and tropical climate, Nigeria provides ample conditions for mosquito breeding, leading to high malaria transmission. However, with the adoption of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), Nigeria could significantly lower the number of disease-carrying mosquitoes in urban and rural areas alike, helping to break the cycle of malaria transmission. This method could also be paired with other ongoing efforts, such as the distribution of insecticide-treated nets and community education, to create a more comprehensive strategy for malaria control.

Related Article: Malaria exerts high burden on Nigeria

Although this method is promising, challenges remain before infertile mosquitoes can become viable in Nigeria. One major concern is ensuring public acceptance and understanding of the technology. As with any scientific innovation, there are potential fears about unintended ecological impacts or long-term effects on the environment. Clear communication and involvement of local communities in decision-making will be crucial to the program’s success. Additionally, regulatory frameworks will need to be established to ensure the safe release of sterile mosquitoes and to monitor their impact over time. With these steps in place, the use of infertile mosquitoes shows promise for combating malaria in Nigeria, as seen in successful cases in the US and Brazil.

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