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Better living conditions crucial for malaria eradication, says NIMR
Improving living standards is key to ending malaria in Nigeria, according to the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR). At a recent media chat in Lagos, experts stressed that environmental and socioeconomic factors play a major role in malaria’s persistence. Dr Adeola Olukosi highlighted that countries with better housing and sanitation have successfully eliminated the disease.
"What actually thrust malaria out of the environment... was better living conditions."
Highlights
- Dr Adeola Olukosi of NIMR emphasized that poor housing and sanitation enable malaria to thrive in Nigeria.
- She noted that while drugs and vector control help, improved infrastructure and coordinated policy are essential for lasting results.
- The presence of the sickle cell gene in some populations complicates eradication due to parasite adaptation.
- Prof. John Obafunwa warned that misdiagnosis of fever as malaria leads to drug resistance and delays treatment for other illnesses.
- Experts called for community engagement, better diagnostics, and support for vulnerable groups as part of a holistic malaria strategy.
