According to the 2021 World Malaria Report, Nigeria had the highest number of global malaria cases, which is 27 % of global malaria cases, and the highest number of deaths, which is 32 % of global malaria deaths in 2020. Every year on the 25th of April, World Malaria Day is observed to raise awareness of the global effort to control, prevent, and eventually eradicate malaria.
This year, the theme for World Malaria Day is “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”, with a particular focus on the implementation of strategies to reach marginalised communities.
Malaria is an ancient disease that has plagued humanity for centuries and affects the most marginalized populations in society, including the rural poor, pregnant women, children, migrants, refugees, religious minorities, and indigenous people. Malaria, which is caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, poses a serious threat to human life.
In Nigeria, malaria remains a significant public health challenge with an estimated 97 million cases and 300,000 deaths annually. Although progress has been made in reducing the burden of this disease, much work still needs to be done to eliminate it not only in Nigeria but across Africa.
Dr Amala Nwabulue, a doctor at Avon Medical, commented, “Malaria is preventable and treatable if we can stop mosquitoes from breeding”. She advised patients to clear their drains and gutters and to use mosquito repellents and drugs to prevent the frequency of malaria.
Malaria can cause fever, chills, and flu-like illness and if it is not treated- it can cause severe complications and death. The disease can be prevented with the use of medicines and other measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor insecticide sprays.
World Malaria Day serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of malaria on global health and the urgent need for continued efforts to control and eventually eliminate the disease.
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