According to the World Health Organization, malaria caused 214 million clinical episodes, and 438,000 deaths – mostly children in the African Region. 3.2 billion people live in areas at risk of malaria transmission in 106 countries and territories.
In Nigeria, statistics from National Malaria Elimination Programme(NMEP) shows that Nigeria accounts for 29 percent of the global burden of malaria and has the highest number of cases of any country, highlighting the need to focus on treatment as well as prevention. Nationwide, malaria prevalence varies widely, ranging from 14 percent in the South East Zone to 37 percent in the North West Zone. It is a major cause of high maternal and infant mortality. It is estimated that about 300,000 children die from malaria each year accounting for over 25% of infant mortality (children under aged one), 30% of childhood mortality (children under five), and 11% of maternal mortality. At least 50% of the population has at least one episode of malaria annually, while children aged less than 5 years have 2 to 4 attacks annually.
ACHL works to improve the health of mothers, pregnant women, and children under the age of five. Our three-pronged strategy is in line with the National Malaria Policy and Strategic Plan including
- The distribution of Insecticide-treated nets
- Demand creation and sensitization of community members especially women groups on malaria prevention strategies and proper treatment of malaria focusing on the promotion and distribution of a new and effective drug for malaria, called Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) and IPT for pregnant women
- We are also involved in strengthening the capacity of health workers at the primary and secondary healthcare levels on the prevention and treatment of malaria. This includes strengthening the capacity of medicine vendors and community pharmacies on appropriate malaria treatment