The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that Nigeria is making notable strides in the fight against malaria, reporting a downward trend in infection rates and improved access to preventive measures and treatment services across the nation.
According to WHO, these achievements are attributed to enhanced surveillance systems, broader distribution of insecticide-treated nets, expanded seasonal malaria chemoprevention initiatives, and better case management practices.
These integrated strategies, the organization noted, are now producing measurable improvements.
During the National Dissemination Meeting of the Enhance Project, organized by Malaria Consortium in partnership with state authorities, Dr. Lynda Ozor, the WHO Malaria Programme Manager, highlighted that a Malaria Indicator Survey completed last year confirmed the consistent decline in prevalence.
Dr. Ozor pointed out that malaria prevalence was recorded at 42% in 2010, reduced to 22% by 2021, and has further declined based on the latest statistics.
She emphasized that this progress demonstrates Nigeria's commitment to effective malaria control through extensive and integrated strategies nationwide.
"We are now witnessing the benefits of those efforts," she stated.
Addressing concerns regarding the malaria vaccine currently being implemented in select states, Dr. Ozor affirmed that the vaccines were recommended only after a thorough evaluation process by WHO.
She clarified that all medical products are subjected to rigorous testing prior to their approval, and Nigeria’s regulatory bodies, like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), also conduct independent assessments before distribution.
Dr. Ozor firmly rejected claims suggesting that the vaccines cause depopulation or have hidden harmful effects, labeling such beliefs as misinformation often propagated by anti-vaccine factions.
She cited the RTSS vaccine as an example, which underwent about 34 years of research and development, including extensive Phase Three trials.
This vaccine reportedly has limited side effects, akin to many medical products, such as mild headaches, and is deemed safe for public use.
While acknowledging that vaccine hesitancy is not a new concern, she noted that several communities have eagerly awaited the malaria vaccine and have welcomed its introduction.
WHO praised the joint efforts of the Federal Government, state authorities, and development partners, encouraging ongoing funding, community involvement, and strategic measures to maintain the progress and ultimately eliminate malaria as a health threat.
Dr. Nnenna Chizaram Ogbulafor, the National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), explained that Nigeria began administering the malaria vaccine in 2024, initiating a phased rollout with Kebbi and Bayelsa states, and recently adding Bauchi state.
Represented by Dr. Shekarau Emmanuel, Dr. Ogbulafor articulated that the Enhance Project was established to boost vaccine uptake after coverage fell short of expectations.
The vaccine regimen consists of four doses, administered at five, six, and seven months, followed by a booster dose at 15 months, integrated into Nigeria’s routine immunization schedule.
Earlier, Dr. Kolawole Maxwell, the Programme Director for West and Central Africa at Malaria Consortium, remarked that although evidence supports the vaccine’s effectiveness, its advantages can only be actualized if it reaches all eligible children.
He mentioned that the Enhance Project is exploring innovative strategies, including utilizing existing seasonal malaria chemoprevention teams to encourage caregivers to vaccinate their children.
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