According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria accounted for 31% of all malaria deaths worldwide in 2021.
The organization disclosed this in its world malaria report, which was published on Thursday.
According to the international organization for health, malaria cases and fatalities in 2021 remained stable despite COVID-19’s continuing effects.
Globally, according to WHO, there were 247 million cases of malaria and 619,000 deaths from the disease in 2021, up two million cases and down six million deaths from the pandemic’s beginning in 2019.
According to the report, Nigeria was one of four countries that accounted for nearly half of all cases worldwide and more than half of all malaria deaths.
“Twenty-nine countries accounted for 96% of malaria cases globally, and four countries – Nigeria (27%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (12%), Uganda (5%) and Mozambique (4%) – accounted for almost half of all cases globally,” the report reads.
“About 96% of malaria deaths globally were in 29 countries. Four countries accounted for just over half of all malaria deaths globally in 2021: Nigeria (31%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (13%), the Niger (4%) and the United Republic of Tanzania (4%).”
According to the WHO, countries around the world largely avoided further disruptions to malaria prevention, testing, and treatment services in 2021, as opposed to 2020, when the COVID pandemic disrupted malaria services, resulting in a significant increase in cases and deaths.
“In 2021, countries distributed 223 million rapid diagnostic tests (RDT), a similar level reported before the pandemic,” the statement reads.
“In 2021, insecticide-treated nets (ITN) distributions were strong overall and at similar levels to pre-pandemic years: 171 million ITNs planned for distribution, 128 million (75%) were distributed.”
Following a significant increase in malaria cases and deaths in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, affected countries redoubled their efforts and were able to mitigate the worst effects of COVID-related disruptions, according to WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus.
“We face many challenges, but there are many reasons for hope. By strengthening the response, understanding and mitigating the risks, building resilience and accelerating research, there is every reason to dream of a malaria-free future,” he said.
