Nigeria at 62: Quagmire of malaria and the urgent need for deliberate and concerted control strategy

Abstract

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has disproportionately contributed the majority (95%) of all malaria cases and deaths for more than a decade (2010-2021) and Nigeria contributes the highest in global malaria cases and deaths in the last decade. Main body: Despite several malaria control initiatives, why is Nigeria still the most endemic malaria country? Published reports have underlined possible reasons for the sustenance of malaria transmission. Malaria transmission pattern in the country is largely and remarkably heterogeneous, hence control measures must take this uniqueness into consideration when designing intervention strategies. Nigeria became 62 years post-independence on the 1st of October, 2022, therefore making positive impacts on all aspects of the country, especially in the health sector becomes imperative more than ever before. To achieve a pre-elimination malaria status, we propose the implementation of focused and calculated research strategies. Such strategies would be consciously geared towards understanding vectorial capacity, susceptibility to approved insecticides, identifying malaria hotspots, and deciphering the genetic structure and architecture of P. falciparum within and between groups and regions. This will provide insight into delineating the inter/intra-regional migration of parasite populations, amongst others. Conclusion: With regard to malaria elimination, Nigeria still has a long way to go. There is a need for dedicated prioritization of research efforts that would provide a basic understanding of the Plasmodium parasite in circulation. Such information will support the implementation of policies that will drive down malaria transmission in Nigeria.