Malaria in Nigeria: Key Statistics and Facts

General Overview

• Transmission: Occurs throughout Nigeria, with 97% of the population at risk.
• Global Impact: Nigeria accounts for 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of deaths, leading the global burden.
• West Africa Impact: 55% of malaria cases in West Africa in 2022.
• Factors for Prevalence: Large population, poor sanitation, and favorable mosquito breeding conditions.

Incidence and Mortality

• Case Incidence (2021-2022): Stable at 305-306 per 1000 at risk.
• Death Rate: Decreased by 3.3% (from 0.9 to 0.87 per 1000 at risk).

Transmission Season

• Duration: Year-round in the south; three months or less in the north.
• Predominant Species: Plasmodium falciparum.
• Primary Vectors: An. coluzzii (59.3%) and An. gambiae s.s. (39.0%); An. funestus is secondary.

Demographic Variations in Malaria Prevalence

• Children Under Five: 23% prevalence (down from 42% in 2010).
• Regional Differences: Prevalence ranges from 16% in South & South East to 34% in North West.
• Rural vs. Urban: 31% in rural, 13% in urban.
• Socioeconomic Disparities: Lowest group sees 38% prevalence, highest group only 6%.

National Malaria Control Strategies

• High Burden High Impact (HBHI): Initiated by National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP).
• 2021-2025 Strategic Plan: Reduce morbidity to less than 10% and mortality to less than 50 deaths per 1,000 by 2025.
• Funding: $364 million secured from World Bank, African Development Bank, and Islamic Development Bank for interventions in 13 states.

Severe Malaria Management

• Treatment Change (2012): From quinine to injectable artesunate.
• Pre-referral Interventions: Include intramuscular or rectal artesunate, intravenous quinine, or artemether.

Malaria in Pregnancy

• WHO Antenatal Care Model (2016): Minimum of 8 contacts during pregnancy.
• IPTp Coverage: Increased from 16.6% (2018) to 31% (2021).
• Treatment for Severe Cases: Injectable artesunate recommended from the 2nd trimester; recent guidelines extend this to the 1st.

Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs)

• Ownership Rise: From 47% (2018) to 56% (2021), but usage decreased.
• Mass Campaigns: Every 3-4 years, mainly in 24 states.

Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC)

• Strategy: Implemented in 21 states, covering 384 LGAs and about 11 million children.
• Implementation (2023): Covered 28.9 million children; the largest SMC coverage globally.

Healthcare Structure

• Public System: 67% of facilities; divided into federal, state, and LGA levels.
• Funding Sources: Global Fund, USAID's PMI, World Bank, AfDB, Islamic Development Bank, DFID, private sector.

Populations with Low Access

• North Eastern Nigeria: Insurgencies affect service delivery.
• Rural and Nomadic Populations: Hard-to-reach areas; cultural beliefs hinder access.

These notes summarize the key points regarding malaria statistics and control measures in Nigeria, highlighting incidence rates, control strategies, and challenges faced in delivering healthcare services.