The Federal Ministry of Health confirmed that some states have reported higher-than-expected fatalities linked to severe malaria complications within the last month. Although malaria remains one of Nigeria’s most common illnesses, experts are alarmed at the unusual trend in mortality.
“We are investigating these cases to determine whether there are new strains, drug resistance or environmental factors contributing to the rise,” a senior official at the National Malaria Elimination Programme said on Thursday. “What we are seeing is not typical and requires collective vigilance.”
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention also disclosed that surveillance teams are working with state governments to trace the deaths and identify possible risk factors. Authorities are urging residents to seek prompt medical care when symptoms occur and to avoid self-medication.
Public health experts have advised communities to intensify preventive practices, including the use of insecticide-treated nets, indoor spraying, and proper environmental sanitation to curb mosquito breeding.
Nigeria records the highest malaria burden globally, with the World Health Organization estimating that the disease accounts for nearly a quarter of global cases each year. The new alert, however, has raised fears of a potential health emergency if not quickly addressed.
The Ministry of Health assured that it is strengthening medical facilities with diagnostic kits and effective treatment drugs while also deploying rapid response teams to affected states.
“We must not allow this situation to escalate. Malaria is preventable and treatable if we act early,” the ministry added.
