Boosting Efforts in Nigeria to Eliminate Malaria: A Call for Increased Action
In a remarkable achievement for health care, Africa has reached a significant milestone. Cape Verde, a country off the coast of West Africa, has been declared malaria-free by the World Health Organisation after 50 years. This accomplishment poses a considerable challenge to Nigeria, urging the nation to redouble its efforts in the fight against malaria.
To tackle this challenge effectively, Nigeria must exhibit strong determination, implement the right policies, and execute well-thought-out strategies. All three levels of government and stakeholders need to collaborate to eliminate the scourge from Africa's most populous country.
Cape Verde's success did not happen overnight. This small island nation took years to attain this status. Over the past three years, Cape Verde has not reported any local transmission of malaria. The country achieved this by focusing its resources on strengthening its health systems. Notably, they emphasized early detection of malaria through surveillance officers and improved access to diagnosis and treatment for all cases.
Cape Verde's Health Minister, Filomena Gonçalves, credited this success to the hard work and dedication of numerous health professionals, collaborators, communities, and international partners. She emphasized that this achievement is a testament to what can be accomplished through collective commitment to improving public health.
Mauritius, an island nation in sub-Saharan Africa, was the first to be declared malaria-free in 1973. In North Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria achieved this status in 2010, 2012, and 2019, respectively. However, the broader picture for many African countries remains grim. In 2022, the continent witnessed 580,000 malaria-related deaths, constituting 95 percent of global fatalities.
Malaria symptoms can vary from mild to life-threatening and are contracted through mosquito bites. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty in breathing. Medical experts highlight that infants, children under five years old, pregnant women, and travelers are at risk of this complex parasite transmitted through mosquito bites. Malaria stands as a leading cause of infant and maternal mortality in Nigeria.
Malaria takes a heavy toll in Africa, with four countries carrying the burden. Nigeria tops the list with 26.8%, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo at 12.3%, Uganda at 5.1%, and Mozambique at 4.2%, according to the World Health Organization.
Seattle's Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation data shows that malaria hits Africa the hardest. In 2019, Cuba, Jamaica, Argentina, and the United States had zero malaria deaths per 100,000 citizens. On the flip side, Niger Republic reported 102.88, Nigeria 112.34, Burkina Faso 125.4, Liberia 130.78, and Ivory Coast 145.45. Brazil was at 0.06, and India at 2.61 per 100,000 people.
Regrettably, malaria eradication faces hurdles in Nigeria. Challenges include limited healthcare access, underfunding, poor living conditions, expensive medication, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of oversight.
Adding to these challenges, in July, Nigeria was left out of the 12 African countries set to receive 18 million doses of the malaria vaccine from 2023 to 2025. This leaves Nigeria vulnerable, especially with the emergence of a new mosquito species called 'Steve' (scientifically termed Anopheles stephensi).
Addressing this situation calls for a coordinated effort from the government and stakeholders. Nigeria needs a well-thought-out plan to combat and eliminate malaria. Scientific research in local institutes should be revived to enhance diagnosis and treatment.
Prioritizing primary healthcare and implementing effective surveillance methods is crucial. Citizens must be educated on malaria prevention, including regularly emptying stagnant water in their surroundings, clearing bushes, and using chemically treated mosquito nets. It's a collective effort to overcome this health challenge.
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ReplyDeleteI appreciate the effort put into this piece. It's evident you did your research.
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