By Asmau Ahmad
The Nigeria’s Federal Government said an estimated 55 million cases of malaria and nearly 90,000 malaria deaths occur each year in Nigeria.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, disclosed during a press briefing to commemorate the ‘World Malaria Day,’ themed, ‘Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement,’ with the slogan ‘Act now.’
The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mamman Mamuda, said despite efforts by the government and its partners to combat the effects of malaria in the country, the country still accounts for 27 per cent of global malaria cases and 32 per cent of global malaria deaths.
He said, “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 per cent and Nigerians pay as much as N2,280 for each malaria drug.
“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 minister, however, called for investment to defeat malaria and step-up innovative strategies and impactful interventions.
