USAID reports Success in Malaria Prevention Efforts in Nigeria on World Malaria Day

USAID/Nigeria mission director, Melissa Jones, has revealed significant progress in malaria prevention efforts in Nigeria on the occasion of World Malaria Day. This disclosure was made during a press briefing held in Abuja with the theme, ‘Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World’.

According to Jones, USAID collaboration in the procurement and distribution of 90 million insecticide-treated bed nets has resulted in the protection of over 180 million Nigerians from malaria. Additionally, partnerships with PMI have led to the administration of 35 million doses of malaria preventive treatment, safeguarding three million children under the age of five.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) data reveals that Nigeria bore a substantial malaria burden in 2022, with nearly 67 million reported cases, accounting for 27% of global malaria cases. Nigeria also accounted for 31% of global malaria-related deaths and 38% of deaths in children under five years.

Since the year 2000, malaria-related fatalities in Nigeria have decreased from 194,000 in 2021 to 188,480 in 2022, showcasing the impact of malaria prevention efforts. Jones emphasized the importance of the government recognizing malaria as a priority within the sector-wide approach (SWAp) and allocating significant resources towards achieving the strategic vision for the health sector from 2022 to 2026.

In urging both the government and private sector to enhance malaria programming efficiency through data-driven strategies, Jones highlighted the potential for accelerated progress in malaria control efforts. She envisioned a future where every child in Nigeria sleeps under a mosquito net without fear and where communities have seamless access to life-saving malaria treatment.