The Chief Executive of Malaria Consortium, Dr James Tibenderana, on Wednesday, said 97 per cent of Nigerians are at risk of malaria despite the country’s progress in reducing the prevalence of the disease.
Tibenderana stated this at a press briefing organised in Abuja to mark the organisation’s 20th anniversary of contributions to global health.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes. It is mostly found in tropical countries. It is preventable and curable.
The infection is caused by a parasite and does not spread from person to person. Symptoms can be mild or life-threatening. Mild symptoms are fever, chills, and headache. Severe symptoms include fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing.
Tibenderana said, “Every single state in Nigeria is at risk of malaria. 97 per cent of the population is at risk of malaria. It is also important to appreciate that with the next interventions that are being deployed, such as insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, testing, and rapid diagnostic tests we are getting the right treatment.
“However, we are not achieving optimal coverage of these tools.” The public health expert said there is a need to adapt to the changes taking place with the mosquito parasite.
Credit: punchng.com
