The National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) of Nigeria has reaffirmed its ban on the use of monotherapy for malaria treatment, emphasizing the necessity of combination therapies to effectively combat the disease. This announcement was made during a media briefing in Abuja by Wudi Natasha Tanko, a program officer with NMEP.
Monotherapy, which involves administering a single antimalarial drug like artesunate or chloroquine, is no longer recommended due to its inefficacy and potential to exacerbate malaria’s severity. Tanko explained that monotherapies are inadequate for treating uncomplicated malaria and pose risks such as incomplete cures and the development of drug resistance. Citing effectiveness rates, she noted that chloroquine and sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) have seen declining efficacy at 39% and 56%, respectively.
Tanko emphasized the advantages of Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), which consist of an artemisinin derivative combined with another schizonticidal antimalarial. ACTs are now considered the gold standard for uncomplicated malaria treatment, providing a more effective solution than monotherapy. The program officer also pointed out that proper diagnosis is essential, stressing that malaria cannot be solely diagnosed based on clinical symptoms; testing confirmation is critical.
“The case management intervention through prompt diagnosis and treatment with recommended antimalarial is pivotal for the reduction of malaria burden,” Tanko stated. This aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to tackle malaria, which accounts for a staggering 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of related deaths.
Progress has been made in recent years, as evidenced by the National Malaria Indicator Survey (NMIS), which reported a decrease in malaria prevalence from 42% in 2010 to 22% in 2021. However, continued vigilance and adherence to recommended treatment protocols are crucial in sustaining and accelerating these gains.
The NMEP’s stance comes at a time when Nigeria is also facing threats from new mosquito species, complicating the fight against malaria. This adds urgency to the need for effective treatment strategies and ongoing public awareness campaigns.
In light of these developments, the Nigerian government urges healthcare providers and the public to adhere strictly to the recommended guidelines for malaria treatment, which include using ACTs and ensuring accurate diagnoses. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce the malaria burden in Nigeria and improve health outcomes for millions at risk.
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