Stakeholders: Malaria Claims 400,000 Nigerian Lives Annually

Mary Nnah

The alarming statistic that malaria claims 400,000 Nigerian lives annually has once again brought to the forefront the need for urgent action to combat this preventable disease.

This staggering number was reiterated at the Lagos Country Club’s annual Swim against Malaria event, held on December 21st.

The event, now in its 7th year, aims to raise awareness about malaria prevention, management, and treatment.

 Dr. Olubunmi Apata, a medical doctor and orthopedic surgeon, emphasized the devastating impact of malaria, stating that it’s a preventable disease.

“Malaria is a serious disease that affects everyone, but it’s mostly deadly in children under five years old and non-immune adults,” Dr. Apata warned.

“Symptoms of malaria include high fever, body pains, joint pain, headaches, and a general feeling of being unwell. In severe cases, malaria can affect other organs, such as the kidneys and brain, leading to cerebral malaria, coma, and even death,” he added.

Apata stressed the importance of seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms persist.

His words: “Getting medications to treat malaria can be poorly managed, and most times, people may not be able to ascertain the severity of the malaria. Having a medical doctor diagnose and treat properly is very important.”

He also emphasized the need for preventive measures, such as using mosquito nets, preferably insecticide-treated nets, and insecticides to kill mosquitoes that transmit the malaria parasite.

 Furthermore, Apata highlighted the importance of community involvement in preventing malaria, stating that: “It’s not just about individual actions, but also about community efforts to prevent malaria. We need to work together to create a malaria-free environment.”

He encouraged individuals to take responsibility for their surroundings and to work together to prevent the spread of malaria.

Ayodeji Osikoya, Chairman of the Swimming Section, Lagos Country Club, stressed the importance of collective action.

His words: “We’re creating awareness about the prevention against the deadliest disease, malaria. We’re also creating partnerships with companies, manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies to ensure we tackle the menace of malaria.”

He noted that the event has been successful in raising awareness and promoting preventive measures, but more needs to be done to combat the disease.

Osikoya also emphasized the need for sustained efforts in the fight against malaria. “We can’t just do this once and forget about it. We need to keep pushing, keep creating awareness, and keep working together to prevent malaria,” he said and encouraged individuals and organizations to get involved in the fight against malaria and to support efforts to prevent the disease.

Dr. Laja Adesina, a member of the organizing committee, echoed the urgency of the situation, restating that: “Malaria kills 400,000 Nigerians every year, mostly children. We need to do something about it.”

He emphasized the need for behavioral change and encouraged participants to adopt malaria prevention practices: “If we pay the same attention we gave to COVID-19 to malaria, we can contain it. It starts with the government, and then people will take responsibility to prevent malaria across the nation.”

Adesina also highlighted the economic impact of malaria on Nigeria. He said: “Malaria is not just a health issue, but also an economic issue. It affects productivity, it affects businesses, and it affects the economy as a whole.”

He emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle malaria, including awareness, education, and community engagement.

As Nigeria grapples with the malaria menace, it’s clear that urgent action is needed. The Lagos Country Club’s Swim against Malaria event is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to prevent this preventable disease from claiming more lives.

One thing is certain – the fight against malaria requires collective action, and it starts with awareness, education, and a commitment to saving lives.