Malaria, a disease that once seemed to be on the decline, is making a disturbing comeback. After decades of progress, the world now faces a resurgence that threatens to reverse all the gains made in the fight against it.
In 2025, malaria has once again become a global health concern, with Nigeria bearing the brunt of this dangerous reversal.
According to the World Health Organization WHO, there were approximately 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 deaths worldwide in 2023.
This marked an 11 million case increase compared to the previous year, with sub-Saharan Africa experiencing the greatest toll-accounting for 94 of cases and 95 of deaths.
The situation is particularly grim in countries like Nigeria, which leads the world in malaria cases and deaths.
What is Malaria?
Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
The disease typically presents with fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms, but if left untreated, it can lead to severe illness or even death. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable.
The Growing Threat in Nigeria
In Nigeria, the situation is dire. The country accounts for around 27 of global malaria cases, with an estimated 68 million cases and 194,000 deaths in 2021 alone.
Malaria is a constant threat across the country, with the highest incidence rates in the northeastern regions.
Despite years of efforts to control the disease, persistent challenges like poor healthcare infrastructure, limited access to prevention tools like insecticide-treated nets, and low public awareness continue to undermine progress.
Why Malaria is Resurging
Several factors have contributed to this resurgence, including:
- Funding Shortfalls: Cuts in foreign aid, particularly from major donors like the United States, have left malaria control programs underfunded.
- Resistance: The malaria parasite and mosquito vectors have developed resistance to commonly used drugs and insecticides, making treatment and prevention efforts less effective.
- Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are expanding mosquito habitats, facilitating the spread of malaria to new regions.
- Healthcare Disruptions: Conflicts and other crises are disrupting healthcare services, further limiting access to prevention and treatment.
The Impact of Malaria
The resurgence of malaria carries severe health and economic consequences for both individuals and governments.
For individuals, malaria is a major health threat, especially for children and pregnant women. The emotional and financial toll on families is profound, as they bear the burden of medical costs and lost income due to illness.
For governments, the economic costs are substantial. Increased spending on malaria treatment and prevention strains national healthcare budgets, while absenteeism from malaria-related illness reduces workforce productivity.
Additionally, regions with high malaria transmission rates often suffer from reduced tourism, further impacting local economies.
The Path Forward
Addressing the resurgence of malaria requires a comprehensive approach. Strengthening healthcare systems, enhancing surveillance and data collection, and investing in research and innovation are essential steps.
There is also a critical need for community engagement, ensuring that local populations understand the importance of prevention and are actively involved in control efforts.
The upcoming 2025 World Malaria Day theme, Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite, calls for renewed global commitment to fight the disease.
This includes investing in healthcare infrastructure, developing new vaccines and treatments, and ensuring that communities remain engaged in the fight.
A Global Call to Action
The resurgence of malaria is a stark reminder that complacency can undo the progress made in combating this deadly disease.
To prevent further devastation, governments, organizations, and individuals must unite and renew their efforts. The world cannot afford to lose the battle against malaria.
As the WHO aptly puts it, The fight against malaria is far from over. It requires a collective effort to ensure that future generations can live free from this devastating disease.
The time to act is now. Only through collective action can we hope to create a malaria-free future.