As the world observes World Malaria Day today, Nigerian families continue to struggle with the devastating impact of the disease, spending an estimated ₦1.156 trillion annually on treatment.
Despite being preventable and treatable, malaria remains a pressing public health issue in Nigeria, imposing a heavy financial burden on households. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2022 report revealed that in 2021, Nigeria recorded approximately 68 million cases and 194,000 deaths—making it the country with the highest malaria burden, accounting for 27% of global cases.
LEADERSHIP’s findings show that treating a single case of uncomplicated malaria in public hospitals costs around ₦17,000, including consultation, tests, and medication. With millions of cases annually, the cumulative financial toll is immense—and likely underestimated, given the higher costs of complicated cases.
This year’s World Malaria Day, themed “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” calls for renewed dedication, innovation, and investment to fight the disease. Health experts have emphasized the need for intensified efforts to meet eradication goals and prevent avoidable deaths.
Dr. Osundara Tope Zenith, President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), highlighted malaria’s ongoing threat, especially to children under five and pregnant women. He stressed the need for stronger political will, increased domestic funding, and a shift from over-reliance on international donors to more sustainable, locally driven initiatives.
Dr. Zenith also warned of rising resistance to malaria drugs and insecticides, which undermines existing prevention strategies like treated nets. He cited environmental factors—such as stagnant water and poor sanitation—as major contributors to the persistence of malaria in communities.
Similarly, Professor Francis Faduyile, a consultant pathologist and former president of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), called for a more preventive and holistic approach. He stressed that public education, accessible healthcare, and economic empowerment must work hand-in-hand to reduce malaria-related deaths, especially among vulnerable children.
Prof. Faduyile advocated for functional primary health care systems and widespread health insurance to ensure timely and affordable care. He noted that while efforts like vector control and prophylactic medications have seen some success, they must be more effectively coordinated and adopted.
Dr. Mary Alex-Wele, a senior lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, also emphasized the importance of a comprehensive prevention strategy. While mosquito nets are important, she said, they must be complemented by environmental cleanliness, insect repellents, and, in some cases, prophylaxis—especially for high-risk groups like pregnant women and individuals with underlying conditions.
WHO explains that malaria is caused by parasites transmitted through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. While it’s not contagious between humans, it can spread through blood transfusions or shared needles in rare cases. Early symptoms include fever, chills, and headache, which can escalate into severe complications if not promptly treated.
In communities like Jikwoyi, a densely populated slum in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the reality is stark. Many residents live in unsanitary conditions surrounded by stagnant water, making them especially vulnerable. Children often fall ill, and due to rising healthcare costs, many families now rely on traditional remedies like herbal mixtures.
One resident, Mama Ozioma, shared that her family cannot afford hospital visits. Even basic malaria medications have become too expensive, forcing her to resort to home treatments unless the illness becomes severe. She also highlighted the difficulty of using mosquito nets in overcrowded homes.
Visits to FCT general hospitals confirmed that treating malaria—including consultation, testing, and medication—can cost around ₦17,000. Physicians noted that modern treatment often involves a combination of injections and oral drugs.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the federal government has declared malaria both a health and developmental emergency. In response, the Ministry of Health launched the Advisory on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (AMEN) in 2024 to drive a more coordinated national effort.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, described malaria as a “wicked problem” undermining Nigeria’s health and economic development. He noted that the disease claims over 180,000 children under five each year and drains more than $1.1 billion from the nation’s GDP annually.
To combat this, the government has begun a phased rollout of the malaria vaccine, with one million doses deployed in Kebbi and Bayelsa states. According to Dr. Muyi Aina, executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), over 100,000 children have already been vaccinated through integrated outreach and immunization programs.
While challenges such as limited vaccine supply persist, health officials remain optimistic. Experts agree that eliminating malaria in Nigeria is achievable—but only with sustained political will, robust funding, environmental reforms, and community-driven action.