Nigeria’s malaria nightmare: 97% at risk as disease drains 40% of GDP – with 110 million cases yearly, malaria costs Nigeria billions in lost productivity
KANO, Nigeria – A shocking new report reveals that malaria kills nine Nigerians every hour, making it one of the deadliest yet most preventable health crises in the country. The Society for Family Health (SFH) disclosed this alarming statistic during a media briefing in Kano, where it announced a massive campaign to distribute 7.7 million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and 15 million doses of anti-malaria drugs (SPAQ) to children under five.
Nigeria’s malaria nightmare: The harsh reality
- 97% of Nigerians are at risk of malaria, with children under five and pregnant women most vulnerable.
- 110 million cases are diagnosed yearly—25% of the global malaria burden.
- 30% of child deaths and 11% of maternal deaths in Nigeria are linked to malaria.
- Two out of every four malaria cases in West Africa occur in Nigeria.
- Economic toll: Malaria drains 40% of Nigeria’s GDP annually due to lost productivity, treatment costs, and absenteeism from schools and workplaces.
Despite a slight decline in prevalence (from 27% in 2015 to 22% in 2021), malaria remains a silent killer, claiming lives at a rate of nine Nigerians per hour.
The fightback: Free nets, drugs, and a race against time
To combat this crisis, SFH and the Kano State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) are launching a statewide intervention:
- 7.7 million insecticide-treated nets will be distributed in high-risk communities.
- 15 million SPAQ doses will be given to children aged 3-59 months to prevent infection.
- 27,000 community mobilizers will go door-to-door to deliver drugs and nets.
- Caregivers will receive incentives to ensure compliance.
Sesugh Deborah Oryiman, SFH’s Social and Behavioral Change Specialist, emphasized:
“Sleeping under a treated net is the most cost-effective way to prevent malaria. Yet, millions still don’t use them consistently.”
Why is Kano a key battleground?
Kano, Nigeria’s most populous state, faces high malaria transmission, especially during the rainy season. Babangida Gwarzo, Kano’s Malaria Elimination Programme Manager, urged parents:
“Avail your children of these free drugs. One dose can save a life.”
The bigger picture: Will Nigeria finally defeat Malaria?
While progress has been made, challenges remain:
- Poor net usage despite mass distributions.
- Drug resistance in some regions.
- Funding gaps in malaria prevention programs.
The question remains: Will this new push be enough to break the cycle of deaths, or will malaria continue to rob Nigeria of its future?