By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Nigeria has recorded a declining prevalence in malarial attacks from 42% to 22% within a period of eleven years.
This was revealed by the 2021 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey, NMIS, which indicated that the national prevalence of malaria has witnessed a decline from 42% in 2010 to 22% in 2010 among Nigerians.
The NMIS data on malaria prevention in Nigeria was disclosed by the National Coordinator, National Malaria Elimination Programme , NMEP, Dr.Perpetua Uhomoibihi at a Media Worship on Data Use of the 2022 NMIS Report launched recently by the Minister of Health, Dr. Ehanire Osagie.
Uhomoibihi said that the progress made followed ,” 56% of households who accessed at least one Insect Treated Nets, ITN, while 36% percent of household members, 41% of children under 5 and 50% of pregnant women slept under an ITN the night before the survey.”
“31% of women took at least three doses of SP/ Fansidar for the prevention of malaria in pregnancy while 45% took a least 2 doses up from 17% and 40% respectively in 2018.”
According to the NMEP boss, ” 59% of household members, -64% of children U5 and 73% of pregnant women slept under an ITN the night before the survey.”
Uhomoibihi further advocated that all Nigerians should have access to at least two mosquito nets per household for there to be a further decline in malarial attacks and hospital visits.
Meanwhile, Malaria accounts for about 60% of visits to hospital, killing 30% of Children, 11% of women and 25% of children under the age of five.
Malaria parasite is an endemic public health challenge as transmission occurs throughout the year, putting children and pregnant at most risk.
According to the NMIS data, malaria decline success and prevention findings revealed that 56% of households own at least one insecticide—treated net, ITN. 79% of ITNs owned by households were accessed through a mass distribution campaign.
50% of pregnant women between the ages of 15- 49 slept under an ITN the night before the survey.
A total of 2,944 children between 48- 59 months, while infants 6 to 8 months presented malaria.
Malaria prevalence Using the Rapid Diagnostic Tests, revealed 586 children age 6-8 months, 22.3% were males while 22.2 % were ages females.
Furthermore, Director, Department of Public Health,. Federal Ministry of Health said the NMIS survey data would influence programmes, project manager and policymakers at all levels.
