Malaria Consortium Highlights Progress and Persistent Risks of Malaria in Nigeria

The Chief Executive of Malaria Consortium, Dr. James Tibenderana, emphasized Nigeria’s substantial strides in reducing malaria prevalence but highlighted that a significant portion of the population remains at risk.

Speaking at a media conference in Abuja to mark the NGO’s 20th anniversary, Tibenderana acknowledged Nigeria’s progress but noted the ongoing burden affecting every state and 97% of the population.

While interventions like insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying have been deployed, optimal coverage remains a challenge. Tibenderana cited World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, indicating that Nigeria accounts for 184,000 malaria deaths annually.

Although progress has been made over the past decade, continuous adaptation by mosquitoes and parasites necessitates the development of new drugs, insecticides, nets, and vaccines.

Tibenderana appealed to Nigerians to maximize the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, emphasizing that many who should have access are not receiving them, and those who do, often don’t use them.

He underscored the importance of a multi-faceted approach, stating that the expected malaria vaccine, while beneficial, should not be relied upon as the sole solution. Tibenderana emphasized that comprehensive coverage and consistent usage of existing tools are critical to the collective effort to combat malaria.

Dr. Kolawole Maxwell, the Country Director of Malaria Consortium in Nigeria, announced the securing of $200 million for ongoing malaria projects from 2020 to 2026. He highlighted the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention initiative, currently active in Abuja and 13 other states, covering close to 20 million Nigerians.

Maxwell stressed the need to bring attention to new tools for malaria prevention and treatment and accelerate the elimination of malaria in Nigeria, where the disease burden is highest.

Malaria Consortium, operating in Nigeria since 2008, focuses on maternal and child health, utilizing malaria as an entry point to provide support to the health system in Asia and Africa. The organization’s two-decade-long efforts in Nigeria have aimed at preventing and treating malaria and other communicable diseases among vulnerable populations, primarily women and children, across 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).