Despite the rollout of malaria vaccines and the recent announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring Egypt malaria-free, the disease remains a significant threat in Nigeria and many other parts of Africa.
Historically referred to as the “White Man’s Grave” by European colonialists in the 19th century due to the challenges posed by malaria in West Africa, the disease continues to claim lives. According to a WHO report, malaria resulted in at least 194,000 deaths in Nigeria in 2021, and around 97% of Africa’s population is at risk of infection. The parasite Plasmodium falciparum, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, causes this devastating disease. Countries like Ethiopia and Uganda also bear a heavy burden from malaria each year.
In 2022, West Africa accounted for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of deaths, totaling 233 million cases and 580,000 deaths, showing only a slight decrease from the previous year. Vulnerable populations, particularly infants and young children, are disproportionately affected, with 80% of malaria fatalities occurring among children under five.
Vaccine Efforts and Egypt’s Milestone
In early 2024, Cameroon became the first nation to incorporate malaria vaccination into its routine immunization schedule, following pilot programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. Nigeria has recently received 846,200 doses of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, with a goal of administering one million doses, although UNICEF estimates that 31 million doses are needed in total.
Amid these challenges, Egypt’s achievement in being declared malaria-free provides a glimmer of hope. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilization, but the disease that plagued pharaohs now belongs to history.”
However, Egyptian officials stress that achieving this certification is just the beginning of a new phase in malaria control. Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, emphasized the importance of ongoing vigilance in surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment to prevent a resurgence of the disease.
The Need for Increased Action
Healthcare experts warn that significant efforts are still needed to curb malaria-related deaths and its economic toll, which includes reduced productivity. At a recent UN General Assembly session, leaders cautioned that without increased funding for malaria prevention, as many as 300,000 additional deaths could occur. The RBM Partnership to End Malaria warns that failure to act could result in an increase of 112 million malaria cases over the next three years across Africa.
Dr. Michael Adekunle Charles, CEO of the RBM Partnership, highlighted the challenges faced by lower-income countries in combating malaria, stating, “Everyone has a right to health. Malaria is straining health systems and hindering people in low-income countries from fully enjoying this right.”
Collaborative Efforts Needed
Dr. Agbor Neji Ebuta, a physician in Abuja, emphasized that eradicating malaria requires comprehensive and coordinated efforts beyond just financial support. “We need bold, integrated measures, including mass distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, rapid surveillance, and universal diagnosis and treatment,” he stated.
Nigeria’s Health and Social Welfare Minister, Muhammad Ali Pate, noted that the country plans to utilize all available resources in this battle, including bed nets, seasonal chemoprevention, and new vaccines tailored to regional needs.
For millions across Africa, the aspiration for a malaria-free continent remains a crucial goal, one worth striving toward.
