Nigeria accounts for 25% of all cases of malaria worldwide according to latest health report

NIGERIA currently accounts for about 25% of all malaria cases worldwide according a recent report published by the Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/Aids Tuberculosis Leprosy and Malaria (Bacatma).

In its latest report, Bacatma said that apart from accounting for 25% of malaria cases globally, Nigeria is also responsible for 19% of deaths that result from the disease worldwide. Dr Mohammed Alkali, Bacatma's chairman, added that children account for 61% of all malaria deaths globally.

He pointed out that Africa accounts for 90% of global cases of malaria and 91% of malaria deaths, adding that as part of measures to combat the problem, Bauchi State has distributed 3.8m mosquito nets across the 20 local government areas of the state. Dr Alkali who explained that malaria was a disease caused by a protozoan called plasmodium, said the disease commonly affects children under five years of age, pregnant mothers, sicklers and people with low immunity.

Dr Alkali added: “The treatment is with Artemism Based Combination Therapy. Malaria can be prevented through health education, early diagnosis and treatment, use of Long Lasting Insecticidal Treated Nets, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant mothers, environmental management which include Indoor Residual Spray, outdoor spray of mosquito and other measures.”

He  enumerated the symptoms of the disease to include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, loss of appetite, adding that severe malaria causes confusion, convulsions, loss of consciousness, lack of blood, yellow discoloration of eyes and bleeding. Dr Alkali said as part of activities marking this year’s World Malaria Day, they would embark on a five-day programme in communities within the state capital and train personnel on the disease.