Drug Resistance is part of the challenges confronting the treatment of malaria and its ultimate eradication.
As Nigerians join the world in the commemorating world Malaria Day on April 25th, residents of Port Harcourt have been urged to develop proper measures in treating malaria and avoid the misuse of antimalarial medications.
In 2023, an estimated 263 million cases of malaria were reported globally with 597, 000 deaths recorded. Sadly , Africa bears the highest burden of malaria accounting for 94% of the cases and 95% of deaths.
According to WHO , Children under 5 years old account for 76% of malaria deaths with pregnant women and travelers also at higher risk. One of the reasons for the high rate of malaria cases is that some malaria strains are resistant to drugs.
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A medical practitioner, Dr.Nwabueze Favour highlighted some strategies that can be used in combating drug resistant malaria strains. She said “malaria is the major public health concern we have in Nigeria, early diagnosis and treatment of malaria can be used to combat drugs resistant malaria strains, as a health care provider community based are recommended to a improve malaria prevention and treatment in hard to reach areas”.
Medical experts say Insecticide Treated Nets are effective in reducing malaria cases.
However, those in remote areas do not readily have access to it. Mr. Akode Adjekovie, a community health extension worker, noted that “the biggest challenge we have as health workers in diagnosing malaria in remote areas is lack of laboratory equipment”.
Another respondent, Mr Taiwo Benedict gave insight on ways individuals and families could protect themselves from malaria disease. He said, “They must use mosquito net whenever they want to sleep and make sure our environment is clean, free of stagnant or dirty water that may bring mosquitoes around use and also use of anti-malaria drugs and insecticide.”
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Malaria ends with us” which emphasizes the need for collaboration of all stakeholders.
