The Economic Burden of Malaria in Nigeria and Willingness to Pay

Abstract

This chapter reviews available evidence on the size of the economic burden of >malaria in Nigeria and the citizens’ >willingness to pay (WTP) for malaria control and treatment programs. It found that the direct and indirect economic burden may be in excess of 13% of the GDP. Furthermore, the review suggests that the average amount that people are willing to pay for malaria control and treatment programs are below their ruling market prices and that economic status (wealth and income) is one of the major factors determining Nigerians’ WTP for the treatment or total elimination of malaria. Consequently, it recom- mends the promotion ofuniversal access for the treatment ofmalaria in Nigeria by abolishing or reducing payment for malaria treatment at the point of need through insurance-based financing arrangement. It observes that the National Health Insurance Scheme that is current- ly being put in place is a step in the right direction but that progress has been very slow