Nigeria Records 55 Million Malaria Cases Annually – FG

The Federal Government said an estimated 55 million cases of malaria and nearly 90,000 malaria deaths occur each year in Nigeria.

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire disclosed this at a press briefing to commemorate the World Malaria Day, themed ‘Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement,’ with the slogan ‘Act now.’

Dr. Ehanire, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mamman Mamuda, said despite efforts by the government and its partners to combat the effects of malaria in the country, the country still accounts for 27 percent of global malaria cases and 32 percent of global malaria deaths.

“It is estimated that approximately 55 million cases of malaria and nearly 90,000 malaria deaths occur each year in our country.

“Malaria also has an adverse effect on the economy of our nation as it is the major cause of absenteeism in schools, offices, businesses, markets and thereby reducing the income of families, including the hardship of out-of-pocket expenses borne by Nigerians yearly for diagnosis and treatment.

The out-of-pocket expenditure for malaria is estimated to be 70 per cent and Nigerians pay as much as N2,280 on each malaria.

“The economic burden of malaria in Nigeria was estimated at $1.6b (N687bn) in 2022 and may increase to about $2.8bn (N2tn) in 2030.

It is important to note that successful control of malaria will increase productivity, improve health, reduce school absenteeism, reduce poverty and facilitate the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Consequently, we must continue to fight to achieve zero malaria by 2030, in line with the World Health Organisation’s global technical strategy,” he said.

The government, however, calls for investment to defeat malaria and step up innovative strategies and impactful interventions.

Chinaza Ogbachalu

My name is Chinaza Ogbachalu, and I am a writer. I have been writing news and opinion articles for five years plus and have always had a passion for storytelling. I grew up in Nigeria and graduated from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, with a degree in linguistics and communication studies. I have written books that have been well-received by critics and readers alike. My work often focuses on culture and lifestyle, and I draw inspiration from my own experiences and observations of the world around me. As a news writer, I am responsible for researching and writing engaging and accurate news stories for our online audience. I have a strong passion for current events and am skilled at conducting interviews and gathering information from sources. I am grateful for the support of my readers and am constantly humbled by their enthusiasm for my work. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my writing.