Kenneth Maduka, Corgi Project Manager for the Malaria Consortium, stated that Nigeria’s malaria prevalence has decreased from 23% in 2018 to 22% in 2021.
Maduka made these comments during a briefing on seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) organized by the Malaria Consortium in partnership with the Kogi Ministry of Health in Lokoja, according to a report from the Nigerian News Agency.
“The prevalence of malaria in Kogi Island is expected to decrease by 16% in 2023 compared to 2021, and by 27% globally.”
“In Corgi alone, over 6.3 million doses of medication will be given to 1.2 million children under the Corgi SMC project in 2023.” He added.
Malaria incidence in Nigeria
Malaria incidence refers to the number of individuals infected with malaria in Nigeria. This disease poses a significant threat to public health, with an estimated 68 million cases and 194,000 fatalities. By 2021, the number of deaths attributed to this disease is expected to rise.
Nigeria has the highest malaria burden worldwide, accounting for around 27% of global malaria cases.
Malaria prevention activities
Maduka noted that the target for SMC implementation in 2024 was set at 1,184,652 children, a figure that has already been surpassed in the June and July cycles.
“Our aim is to further increase these numbers during the August-September cycle,” he stated, observing that malaria mortality rates are particularly high among children aged 3 to 59 months during the rainy season.
Dr. Stephen Aike, principal program manager for SMEP, mentioned that 14,255 individuals from 747 health facilities in 239 wards statewide had participated in the SMC project.
Aike also indicated that the state is expanding its malaria prevention activities to include adults through the IMPACT project.
The IMPACT project (Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Promoting Services) is a crucial health initiative run by the Nigerian government, supported by the World Bank. Its aim is to enhance primary health care and reduce mortality rates in children under five across Nigeria.
About SMC
Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) involves the administration of a combination of two antimalarial medications, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and amodiaquine (SPAQ), to children at risk of severe malaria during the rainy season. Introduced and endorsed by the WHO in 2012, SMC is primarily targeted at children aged 3 to 59 months, who are the most vulnerable to severe malaria.
This approach requires a full course of antimalarial treatment to be administered at one-month intervals during the peak malaria season, typically given once a month for three to four months when the risk is high. Research indicates that SMC can significantly reduce the incidence of malaria in treated children by up to 75%. Implementation usually involves delivering the treatment door-to-door by community health workers.
The Malaria Consortium aims to reach 25 million children with SMC in seven countries: Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mozambique, South Sudan, Togo, and Uganda by 2024.
The SMC project was initiated in Kogi in 2021, with support from the National Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), the Malaria Consortium, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other partners.
Malaria Reduction Efforts in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Overview of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention
Kenneth Maduka, Corgi Project Manager for the Malaria Consortium, reported that Nigeria’s malaria prevalence has declined from 23% in 2018 to 22% in 2021. This progress was highlighted during a briefing on Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) organized by the Malaria Consortium in collaboration with the Kogi Ministry of Health in Lokoja, as reported by the Nigerian News Agency.
Maduka stated that “the prevalence of malaria in Kogi Island is projected to decline by 16% in 2023 compared to 2021, and by 27% globally.
“In Corgi alone, more than 6.3 million doses of medication will be administered to 1.2 million children under the Corgi SMC project in 2023,” he added.
Understanding Malaria Incidence in Nigeria
Malaria incidence refers to the number of people affected by malaria in Nigeria. The disease poses a vital threat to public health, with an estimated 68 million illnesses and 194,000 deaths attributed to malaria by 2021. Alarmingly, Nigeria accounts for approximately 27% of global malaria cases, making it the country with the highest malaria burden worldwide.
Current Malaria Prevention Activities
Maduka outlined the 2024 SMC implementation target of 1,184,652 children, a figure already surpassed during the June and July cycles.
“Our goal is to further increase these figures during the August-September cycle,” he stated, noting the high malaria mortality rates among children aged 3 to 59 months during the rainy season.
Dr. Stephen Aike, Principal Program Manager of the State Malaria Elimination Program (SMEP), reported that 14,255 people from 747 health facilities in 239 wards across the state have participated in the SMC project. Furthermore, the state is expanding its malaria prevention efforts to include adults through the IMPACT project.
Details About the IMPACT Project
The IMPACT project (Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Promoting Services) is a pivotal health initiative funded by the World Bank aimed at strengthening primary health care and significantly reducing under-five mortality rates in Nigeria.
In-depth Look at Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC)
Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) involves administering a combination of two antimalarial drugs, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and amodiaquine (SPAQ), to children at risk for severe malaria during the rainy season. This method was introduced and recommended by WHO in 2012, primarily targeting children aged 3 to 59 months who are at the highest risk for severe malaria.
| SMC Treatment Schedule | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Administration of SPAQ | Monthly | 3 to 4 months during rainy season |
| Effectiveness | Reduces incidences by up to 75% | N/A |
| Delivery Method | Door-to-door by community health workers | N/A |
The SMC method not only facilitates access to essential medications but also has been proven to significantly reduce malaria incidences among the targeted youth population. Studies indicate that SMC can decrease malaria cases by up to 75% among children who participate.
Future Goals of the Malaria Consortium
The Malaria Consortium aims to reach 25 million children with SMC by 2024 across seven countries, including Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mozambique, South Sudan, Togo, and Uganda.
The SMC project was launched in Kogi in 2021 with support from various partners, including the National Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), the Malaria Consortium, and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Benefits of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention
- Reduces Hospitalizations: Significant decline in the number of hospital visits due to malaria.
- Community Awareness: Enhances community understanding and participation in malaria prevention efforts.
- Boosts Child Health: Contributes to overall improvement in child health statistics by lowering malaria-related deaths.
First-Hand Experience: Community Health Workers in Action
Community health workers (CHWs) have played a crucial role in the success of SMC initiatives. Their door-to-door approach not only ensures that medication reaches those in need but also cultivates a sense of trust within communities. These workers undergo rigorous training to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to educate families about malaria prevention, thus amplifying the initiative’s impact.
Practical Tips for Malaria Prevention
- Use Insecticide-treated Nets: Sleeping under treated nets significantly reduces the risk of malaria transmission.
- Regularly Check for Symptoms: Early detection and treatment can prevent severe health complications.
- Community Engagement: Involve in local malaria prevention campaigns to enhance awareness and resources.
