Saving Lives in Nigeria: The Importance of Malaria Prevention
Malaria is a sickness spread by mosquitoes that can make people and other vertebrates very sick. When humans get malaria, they often have things like a high temperature, feeling tired, throwing up, and bad headaches. Sometimes, it can get really serious and cause things like yellow skin, seizures, or even death. These symptoms usually start about 10 to 15 days after getting bitten by a mosquito carrying the malaria germs. If not treated right, the illness can come back months later. If someone gets infected again after getting better, the symptoms are usually not as bad. But this protection doesn't last if the person doesn't keep getting exposed to malaria over time.
I was at the hospital for a follow-up before reaching there, I branched at a nearby hospital, which by status can be general hospital, to my greatest surprise, the hospital was so occupied, no fresh air to breathe - from the GOPD down to doctors office; people cued, mothers carrying their children, some of them younger than five years, women walking sluggishly with their bellies far beyond their normal posture, for sure, they are pregnant.
At the doctor’s office, most of these children’s accompanies were complaining of high fever in the night (I even went ahead to touch a child with my bare hands), crying with the possibility of headache, body pain, and sometimes urge to vomit and even vomiting.
My mind’s already blown with thoughts on why on earth would bring these much people into the hospital at the same time, with children altogether, I shook my head ruefully, the crying sound of the children blaring all in the corridors.
It rains early morning of the day I went to the hospital — it has been raining time after time throughout those days and that’s what reminds me of the new grasses I saw growing in the farmlands — IT’S RAINY SEASON, no wonder.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MALARIA?
The Signs and symptoms of malaria include:
- Fever
- Sweating.
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches.
- Fatigue.
- Chest pain,
- Breathing problems
- Cough.
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting.
When malaria gets worse, it can cause anemia and jaundice which is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
The most severe form of malaria, is known as Cerebral malaria, which may progress to a coma,
Malaria has become a problem of concern, especially in Nigeria, however it occurs more during rainy season, lack of water drainage, adequate environmental sanitation poses a great danger to our lives as it gives a comfortable habitat for the breed of mosquitoes which eventually spread the Malaria parasite. If you go to the hospital, you will realize that, the number of malaria cases will always increase during rainy season.
According to the 2022 World Malaria Report from the WHO, About 247 million people have contracted Malaria across the globe in 2021, while about 619,000 out of them died of it and 32% of the deaths globally are from Nigeria.
It’s a known fact that the endemicity of malaria is based on the extent and mass of the vector mosquito population.
Generally, in Africa, when rain falls and there is stagnant water, mosquito breeding is extensive, and malaria infections become more prevalent.
Another study has shown that, Malaria is the leading cause of death among children under-5 years of age, amounting to 96,000 annual deaths.
Why is Malaria still devastating in our country despite the fact that, it’s treatment is simple, drugs are cheap and even been distributed mostly free? This is where I will bounce back to the saying that; “Prevention is better than cure”.
HOW IS MALARIA CAUSED?
A mosquito gets infected when it bites a person who has malaria. An infection is spread to the other person's bloodstream when that insect bites them. The parasites grow there. Humans can get malaria from one of five different parasite species.
Rarely, malaria carriers might pass the illness on to their baby during pregnancy, either before or after labor. Although unlikely, malaria can spread through needles, donor organs, and blood transfusions.
The most popular cause of Malaria according to a layman is mosquitoes, in reality, when they bite an individual, they inject a parasite into the human blood, as the parasites multiply, they cause a manifestation of certain symptoms — ranging from mild to severe fever, headache, urge to vomit, vomiting, fatigue, pale skin, and a lot more.
In children, if Malaria is not treated, can easily tends to creat complications such as transformation to cerebral Malaria, organ failure, breathing difficulties, anemia, low blood sugar and eventually death.
- Mosquito Control: Mosquitoes, especially female Anopheles mosquitoes, are the primary vectors of malaria. We can help by preventing them from reproducing. People should work together to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, such as standing water, and the government may implement safe bug-killing chemicals to lower mosquito populations.
- Bed Nets: Bed nets treated with insecticide are inexpensive but effective in preventing malaria. Giving these nets to houses and training people how to use them while sleeping helps prevent mosquito bites and the transmission of disease. We can educate people on the importance of these nets and how to properly use them.
- Healthcare Access: Seeing a doctor when you're sick is critical. Malaria is treatable, and if caught early enough, it will not be fatal. As a result, hospitals and clinics must be prepared to diagnose and treat malaria as soon as possible.
Causes of Malaria in Nigeria
- Plasmodium falciparum is the predominant malaria parasite.- Anopheles mosquitoes, particularly Anopheles gambiae, are the primary vectors.- Factors such as climate, geography, and socio-economic conditions contribute to its spread.
Malaria has always been a disease of concern in Nigeria — more common, deleterious, and deadly to mostly middle class under-5 children. It’s causes, symptoms, and complications are cogent to even the less educated, treatment drugs so cheap and easy to use but it still worsens and claim the lives of our innocent children and pregnant women. Personal and environmental hygiene should not be undermined, use of insecticides, wearing light long sleeves, socks & adequate and proper use of insecticide mosquito nets are also effective and vital component of mosquito control interventions.
Malaria in Nigeria Facts
- Nigeria accounts for a significant portion of global malaria cases.
- Malaria transmission is year-round in many parts of the country.
- Children under five and pregnant women are especially at risk.
Deaths from Malaria in Nigeria
- Malaria is a leading cause of death in Nigeria, particularly among children.
- The exact number of deaths can vary year by year but remains alarmingly high.
Impact of Malaria in Nigeria
- Malaria places a heavy burden on the healthcare system and economy.
- It affects productivity due to illness and absenteeism from work or school.
- The disease perpetuates a cycle of poverty in affected communities.
Prevention and Control of Malaria in Nigeria
- Distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets.
- Indoor residual spraying in high-risk areas.
- Antimalarial drugs for prevention and treatment.
- Public awareness campaigns and community education.