[ad_1]
The recent empanelling by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), of the Nigeria End Malaria Council as part of efforts to eradicate malaria is a welcome move to rejuvenate a flagging national health programme. Unlike previous initiatives, however, this should not end with just an inauguration. It should make a lasting impact on the country’s health care delivery system. As Buhari noted, malaria would drain N2 trillion from the Nigerian economy by 2030 if nothing drastic is done. Malaria is taking a heavy toll on the country; therefore, the federal and state governments need to escalate measures to contain, and eventually eradicate the scourge.
A 16-member group, the EMC is in line with the African Union Assembly Declaration mandating the establishment of EMCs continent-wide. It is expected to mobilise additional funding and help reduce malaria prevalence, costs, and deaths in eight years in Nigeria, thereby saving the country trillions of naira.
The disease is endemic in Nigeria where it accounts for the highest number of malaria cases and deaths worldwide, according to the World Malaria Report. An estimated 76 percent of the population is at risk in high population areas, said USAID and the malaria burden will cost the country N687 billion this year, Buhari added. It kills adults and children alike. The World Health Organisation said insecurity, poor implementation of remedial measures and poverty are worsening the situation. Therefore, concrete, effective action must be taken now.
Malaria is caused by the parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, transmitted year-round through the bite of the Anopheles mosquito as the major vector. The incubation period between the mosquito bite and onset of malaria fever is two weeks. The disease affects the country’s economic productivity, resulting in monetary loss of approximately N132 billion annually in treatment costs, prevention, and other indirect costs, according to the Malaria Journal.
It is a major public health problem in 97 countries and territories in the tropics and subtropics. Globally, about 214 million cases of malaria occur annually, putting 3.2 billion people at risk of infection. Approximately 438,000 deaths were attributed to malaria in 2015, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where an estimated 90 per cent of all malaria deaths occur.
Nigeria is not winning the war against malaria. It still suffers the highest malaria burden worldwide, with about 51 million cases and 217,000 deaths reported annually. This is almost 30 per cent of the total malaria burden in Africa. Studies show that 97 per cent of the total population is at risk of infection.
Mapping out effective remedies requires a full understanding of factors that contribute to its prevalence. The Borgen Project, an NGO, cites the tropical climate which is favourable to the reproduction and lifespan of the vectors. One report said the weather is responsible for 6.0 percent of cases in malaria-endemic countries. Other factors include overcrowded living conditions that aid transmission, poor sanitary conditions, and habits; 60 percent of Nigerians lack access to safe water and safe sanitary conditions. Lack of access to health care services by 83 percent of the population, adds Borgen, aggravates the situation.
Under the UN Millennium Development Goals, the World Health Assembly set a target of reducing malaria cases and deaths by 75 per cent between 2005 and 2015. Hence, over the past decade, there has been greatly renewed interest in research and innovations in diagnostic methods, drugs and vaccines, and the development of control measures.
ButNigeria has been slothful. Malaria, according to BioMed Central, an online journal, accounts for 60 per cent of out-patient visits to hospitals, 11 per cent of maternal mortality and 30 per cent of child mortality, especially among children less than five years old.
The government should revive and accelerate existing plans. The National Malaria Control Programme that in 2008 set out to reduce 50 per cent of the malaria burden by 2013 by achieving 80 per cent coverage in providing long-lasting impregnated (mosquito) nets has faltered.
As of 2008, only 20 per cent of houses in targeted areas received indoor residual spraying and treatment with two doses of intermittent preventative therapy for all pregnant women visiting antenatal care clinics. These measures raised the percentage of households with at least one LLIN to over 70 per cent by 2010, compared to only 5.0 per cent in 2008.
The federal and state governments should revamp, fund, and implement eradication programmes such as the Roll-Back Malaria campaign. In collaboration with international partners, massive provision of insecticide-treated nets, investment in sanitation and basic health services and treatment should be stepped up.
Domestic pharmaceutical firms should be given incentives to ensure affordable prices for anti-malaria medication. The Nigerian government should invest in ongoing global efforts and trials for a vaccine and fund local research into local remedies.
Concerted action works. The Population Reference Bureau, a non-profit, reported that a public-private partnership initiative observed by the World Bank reduced malaria cases in some factories by 80 per cent and hospital admissions by 90 per cent in Kenya. Vietnam’s malaria control programme featured the provision of free insecticide-treated nets, the promotion of indoor spraying with insecticides, and domestic production of anti-malaria drugs. Consequently, reported the WHO, malaria cases there fell by 60 per cent and deaths from malaria by 97 per cent.
Nigeria can achieve similar results with the three tiers of government pulling together and each implementing eradication programmes. The local governments should restore sanitary inspections and year-round spraying of drainages and other breeding grounds of mosquitoes.
Nigerians should take responsibility for their health.
Clearing dirty gutters, cutting overgrown bushes, sleeping under mosquito nets, and taking general simple health steps would save the country much distress. Government at all levels must revive the NMCP. Nets should be made available and accessible for citizens in rural areas for free and at subsidised rate in the cities.
Chaired by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, with some other tycoons on board, it is expected that the council members will leverage their wealth and influence to raise funds and mobilise other philanthropists from around the world to complement government’s spending. Ultimately, it is the doggedness and commitment of the federal and state governments that will determine success in taming malaria. Buhari and the 36 state governors should commit fully to this noble objective.
Copyright PUNCH
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
[ad_2]
