Nigeria records major breakthrough in malaria fight – WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that Nigeria is making steady progress in the fight against malaria, with infection rates continuing to decline across the country.

According to the global health body, the improvement is the result of stronger disease monitoring systems, wider distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, expanded seasonal malaria prevention programmes for children, and better treatment of confirmed cases in health facilities.

Speaking at a national dissemination meeting organised by the Malaria Consortium, WHO Malaria Programme Manager, Dr. Lynda Ozor, said a recent Malaria Indicator Survey confirmed a sustained drop in malaria prevalence. She stated that malaria prevalence, which was 42 per cent in 2010, fell to 22 per cent in 2021 and has declined further based on more recent data. She described the progress as clear evidence that Nigeria’s integrated malaria control strategies are producing results.

Dr. Ozor also addressed concerns about the safety of the malaria vaccine currently being administered in selected states. She explained that WHO only recommends vaccines after rigorous scientific testing and evaluation. She added that Nigeria’s regulatory authority, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), also conducts independent assessments before approving any vaccine for public use. She dismissed claims linking the vaccine to harmful or hidden effects as misinformation, noting that the RTS,S malaria vaccine underwent about 34 years of research and extensive clinical trials before approval. According to her, the vaccine has only mild side effects, such as headache, and is safe for children.

The National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme, Dr. Nnenna Chizaram Ogbulafor, said Nigeria began rolling out the malaria vaccine in 2024, starting with Kebbi and Bayelsa States, with Bauchi later added. The vaccine is administered in four doses at five, six and seven months, with a booster at 15 months, through the routine immunisation schedule.

Officials said the Enhance Project was introduced to improve vaccine uptake after early coverage fell below expectations.

In Kebbi State, vaccine coverage improved significantly following the intervention. In some areas, coverage rose from about 34 per cent to nearly 79 per cent, while in others it increased from 47 per cent to 89 per cent. Malaria prevalence in the project areas dropped sharply from 13.6 per cent to 1.7 per cent, hospital admissions for fever reduced, and caregiver awareness increased considerably.

Health experts said the results show that partnerships, community engagement and stronger health systems are essential to achieving a malaria-free Nigeria.