6th May, 2024
By Adejoke Adeleye Ogun
The Civil Society in Malaria Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN) says heavy malaria has a negative effect on Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
ACOMIN during a 4-day training for its Community Base officers (CBOs) and Community Accountability Teams (CAT) Abeokuta, capital of Ogun State, said countries heavily affected by malaria have an estimated 1% lower growth of Gross Domestic Products(GDP).
Speaking on the financial economic effect of Malaria, HIV and tuberculosis, ACOMIN National Finance Officer, Mrs Bola Vann said in Sub-Saharan Africa, malaria is a leading cause of school and work absenteeism.
She added that children who suffer repeated attacks of malaria are less able to learn and perform less well in school.
She also opined that children who have severe malaria during early childhood often are left with permanent cognitive deficits.
She said malaria reduces the number of red blood cells in the body which results in anaemia. She said It also affects the liver.