Nigeria's Malaria Crisis: PECAN Urges Comprehensives Measures Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Strategic Insights -

The Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) has sounded the alarm on the gravity of malaria in the country, calling for a multi-faceted approach to combat the mosquito-borne disease. At a commemoration of World Mosquito Day, Mr. Terungwa Abari, PECAN's national vice chairman, highlighted the significance of the day in raising awareness about the impact of mosquito-borne diseases on global health. Citing the World Health Organisation's (WHO) 2022 report, Abari stated that malaria remains a severe public health issue in Nigeria, with approximately 68 million cases and 194,000 deaths reported in 2021.

Key Takeaways:

  • Malaria remains a severe public health issue in Nigeria, with approximately 68 million cases and 194,000 deaths reported in 2021, as per the World Health Organisation's (WHO) 2022 report.
  • Nigeria bears nearly 27% of the global malaria burden, with transmission risk persisting throughout the year, particularly high in the Northern region of the country.
  • Mosquitoes are responsible for various diseases, including dengue, West Nile virus, yellow fever, Zika, and chikungunya.
  • In 2022, malaria alone claimed over 600,000 lives globally, according to the Atlanta-based Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • PECAN Abuja called for intensified efforts in mosquito control, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches.
  • Engaging only licensed and certified professionals in mosquito control is crucial to ensure safety and efficacy.
  • Health education plays a critical role in combating malaria, particularly in rural communities where knowledge about mosquito-borne diseases is often lacking.
  • PECAN members conducted a clean-up of the Jahi 2 area in Abuja, performed controlled fumigation, and distributed over 50 mosquito nets to residents.

Statistics:

  • Malaria cases in Nigeria: approximately 68 million (2021), according to the WHO's 2022 report.
  • Malaria-related deaths in Nigeria: 194,000 (2021), as per the WHO's 2022 report.
  • Global malaria deaths in 2022: over 600,000, as per the Atlanta-based Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • Percentage of the global malaria burden borne by Nigeria: nearly 27%.
  • Number of mosquito-borne diseases: dengue, West Nile virus, yellow fever, Zika, and chikungunya, in addition to malaria.

Sources:

  • Mr. Terungwa Abari, PECAN's national vice chairman, citing the World Health Organisation's (WHO) 2022 report.
  • Atlanta-based Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reporting over 600,000 malaria deaths in 2022.
  • Daily Trust, reporting PECAN's clean-up and distribution of mosquito nets in the Jahi 2 area in Abuja.