According to the federal government, there is an estimated 55 million cases of malaria reported each year in Nigeria. Nearly 90,000 deaths are recorded as malaria-related deaths. Minister of Health, Dr. Osajee Ehanile announced this at a press conference to mark World Malaria Day with the slogan ‘Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement,’ and ‘Act now.’
Dr Ehanile was represented by Mamman Mamuda, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. He stated that despite efforts by the government and its partners to combat the effects of malaria, the country still accounts for 27% of the world’s malaria cases and 32 per cent of global malaria deaths.
“It is estimated that approximately 55 million cases of malaria and nearly 90,000 malaria deaths occur each year in our country.
“Malaria also has an adverse effect on the economy of our nation as it is the major cause of absenteeism in schools, offices, businesses, markets and thereby reducing the income of families, including the hardship of out-of-pocket expenses borne by Nigerians yearly for diagnosis and treatment.
The out-of-pocket expenditure for malaria is estimated to be 70% and Nigerians pay as much as N2,280 for each malaria.
“The economic burden of malaria in Nigeria was estimated at $1.6b (N687bn) in 2022 and may increase to about $2.8bn (N2tn) in 2030.
It is important to note that successful control of malaria will increase productivity, improve health, reduce school absenteeism, reduce poverty and facilitate the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Consequently, we must continue to fight to achieve zero malaria by 2030, in line with the World Health Organisation’s global technical strategy,” he said.
The government, however, calls for investment to defeat malaria and step up innovative strategies and impactful interventions.
cc: Punch Ng
