Malaria Claims 9 Lives Every Hour In Nigeria – SFH

The Society for Family Health (SFH) has revealed that malaria remains one of Nigeria’s most severe public health challenges, with nine Nigerians dying every hour from the disease.

The organization also noted that 97% of Nigerians are affected by the malaria burden.

This was disclosed by SFH’s Social and Behavioural Change Specialist, Sesugh Deborah Oryiman, during a media orientation on the Integrated Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign held in Kano.

As part of efforts to curb the spread of malaria, SFH plans to distribute 7.7 million insecticide-treated nets and over 15 million doses of SPAQ (Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine and Amodiaquine) to children aged 3 to 59 months across Kano State.

“Malaria is the most common yet preventable public health issue in Nigeria, with children under five and pregnant women being the most vulnerable,” Oryiman said.

“The country records nearly 110 million clinical cases annually, with malaria contributing to 30% of child deaths and 11% of maternal deaths each year.”

According to her, Nigeria accounts for 25% of the global malaria burden. “Two out of every four people with malaria in West Africa are Nigerians. One in every five global deaths from malaria occurs here. That’s nine deaths every hour.”

She also highlighted the disease’s impact on productivity, citing high rates of school and work absenteeism, and its massive toll on the economy, with a 40% annual drag on Nigeria’s GDP due to treatment costs, prevention efforts, and lost work hours.

Despite rising malaria incidence, Oryiman pointed to a slight reduction in malaria prevalence, as determined by microscopy — from 27% in 2015 to 22% in 2021.

“Prevention is key,” she added. “Consistent use of mosquito nets remains the most cost-effective strategy to avoid mosquito bites and reduce malaria transmission.”

SFH’s campaign will prioritize high-risk local government areas and wards, with SPAQ distribution planned across all 44 LGAs in Kano.

Also speaking at the event, the Kano State Malaria Elimination Programme Manager, Babangida Gwarzo, said the state has mobilized over 27,000 Community Mobilizers and Distributors (CMDs) to carry out door-to-door delivery of the SPAQ dosage and distribute treated nets.

He said the initiative aims to reach over three million children and urged caregivers to make their wards available for the medication, especially as the rainy season heightens malaria risk.