Malaria remains the single most common illness in Nigeria. A 2023 survey confirmed that across all age groups, it is the leading reason people visit hospitals. Nigeria bears one of the heaviest malaria burdens in the world, with around 51 million cases and 207,000 deaths every year. The disease is responsible for 60% of outpatient visits, 30% of deaths in children under five, and 11% of deaths in pregnant women.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes malaria as a major public health challenge in Nigeria, affecting both health and the economy.
What Causes Malaria?
Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium. It is spread to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
How to Prevent Malaria
The good news is that malaria is preventable. Key prevention methods include:
Sleeping under treated mosquito nets (Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets – LLINs) every night.
Indoor residual spraying with safe insecticides.
Clearing stagnant water around homes where mosquitoes breed.
Preventive medicine for pregnant women (Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy – IPTp).
Seasonal preventive medicine for children in high-risk areas (Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention – SMC).
Treatment of Malaria
Early treatment saves lives. The recommended medicines are:
First-line treatment: Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) such as artemether-lumefantrine.
For severe malaria: Intravenous artesunate given in hospital, followed by ACTs when the patient can take oral medicine.
Malaria is dangerous but preventable and curable. Protect yourself by using mosquito nets, keeping your environment clean, and seeking immediate medical attention if you have symptoms like fever, chills, headache, or body pain. With consistent prevention and proper treatment, malaria’s deadly grip on Nigeria can be broken.