Health experts in Abuja have warned that untreated malaria infections can result in life-threatening complications such as severe anaemia and organ failure, urging Nigerians to take preventive measures seriously.
Dr. Bayo Ogundeyi of the Lugbe Primary Health Care Centre, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday, described malaria as the most common ailment encountered at the facility.
“We treat malaria cases more than any other illness daily,” Ogundeyi said.
He referenced the World Malaria Report 2024, which shows that Nigeria bears the world’s highest malaria burden—accounting for 27 per cent of global cases and 31 per cent of related deaths.
The physician listed the common symptoms as high fever, chills, excessive sweating, headache, and nausea, stressing that prevention remains the most effective way to combat the disease.
“Use insecticide-treated nets, clear stagnant water, and spray indoors regularly,” he advised.
Ogundeyi also recommended the use of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) for treatment, in line with national medical guidelines.
Also speaking, Dr. Kingsley Akhamie of Nisa Premier Hospital noted that both adults and children often present with complications due to delayed treatment.
“Malaria becomes more dangerous when left untreated. We have seen patients with organ damage and severe anaemia,” he said.
Dr. Tosin Ogunyemi of Lugbe Health Post expressed concern over the rising number of malaria cases among children, attributing the surge to poor mosquito control practices.
“We are witnessing a spike in paediatric cases. Parents must ensure early treatment and make their homes mosquito-proof,” Ogunyemi said.
The health professionals urged government and stakeholders to ramp up public awareness campaigns and improve access to treated mosquito nets and essential medicines, especially during the rainy season when transmission is high.
They stressed that early detection, proper treatment, and community-wide prevention efforts are key to reducing malaria-related deaths in the FCT and across the country.
Source: NAN
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