Elimination of malaria

National aspiration for development cannot be achieved without a collective pragmatic approach to malaria eradication.

According to the World Health Organisation, in 2017, five countries namely Nigeria (25 per cent); Democratic Republic of Congo (11 per cent); Mozambique (5 per cent); Uganda (4 per cent)   and India (4 per cent), accounted for nearly half of the global malaria cases.  Daunting statistics such as the foregoing is worrisome and does not portend any hope for national development if there is no positive paradigm shift.

One of the cardinal goals of 2030 Sustainable Development (SD) is improvement in health and nutrition, as well as the lasting protection of the planet. To successfully combat malaria, HIV /AIDs, and other diseases, mutual interactions with one another and the environmental protection is paramount. The SD goal “6” gives a pointer to clean water and sanitation, with emphasis on the need to reduce water contamination. Sanitation is a key element in the eradication of mosquitoes and malaria diseases.

British Female tourist killed in Kajuru ― Police

Malaria is the commonest disease among the people living in untidy communities. The cancellation of national environmental sanitation exercise by most state governments is worrisome. Government should endeavour to employ more Environmental Health Officers and make them effective.

Good health is a very essential parameter of assessing development.  Malaria has negative effects on developments, because if malaria is not treated well, it can cause a severe disease syndrome known as cerebral malaria which is associated with high mortality with the following symptoms: coma, or other neurological abnormalities such as speech difficulties, deafness and blindness. Malaria disease causes financial difficulties to individuals and governments for both the treatment and preventive measures. Huge cost is committed to purchasing and distribution of insecticide–treated bed nets.

Global target is that by 2030, malaria and other communicable diseases will be eradicated and this is attainable through early diagnosis, treatment and tracking of malaria cases.

If Nigeria is to join this train, then, long-term plan to eliminate malaria must be widely accepted and practised; improved housing, provision of water, infrastructure, sanitation and good nutrition cannot be compromised.

To control malaria, budgetary provision and investment on health; policy decision and implementation as well as human capital developments are to be given special consideration.

To eradicate the disease, the point of focus is on people, and the mosquitoes carrying the parasites. People are to ensure safe water storage at communities and household levels, while at the same time, maintaining clean environment to prevent the breeding of mosquito larvae.

Other preventive measures to discourage infections are to ensure that houses are built with nets on all entrances, early diagnostic tests, indoor residual spraying and the good habit of sleeping under insecticidal treated nets.  Mass treatment can be very effective to prevent mass transmissions to be accompanied with vector control and surveillance.

In conclusion, lots of attention needs to be placed on abuse and over-usage of malaria drugs resulting in drug resistance.

Fashona Esther Folake (Ph.D.)

Ibadan.