Malaria prevalence dropped by one percent – FG

Nigeria has recorded a slight decrease in malaria prevalence, from 23 percent in 2018 to 22 percent in 2021.

Minister of health, Dr Osagie Ehanire made the disclosure at the official launch and dissemination of the national malaria indicator survey report and the national advocacy communication and social mobilization strategy and implementation guide in Abuja.

Ehanire said while the decrease may not appear significant at the national level, at the sub-national, substantial gains have been observed in several states.

The minister noted that malaria was a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Nigeria, with young children and pregnant women disproportionately affected.

Ehanire announced that children under five years of age remained the most vulnerable group affected by malaria accounting for 67 per cent of all malaria deaths.

He said government has made consistent and concerted efforts over the years in providing resources towards the elimination of malaria in the country, which has resulted in millions of lives being saved.