Despite notable progress in modern medicine, malaria continues to pose a major global public health challenge with severe consequences, particularly across tropical regions such as Nigeria, a scholar at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) warned.
The warning was issued by Professor Titus Olusi, a Professor of Applied Parasitology, while delivering the 196th Inaugural Lecture of the institution titled “Parasite Free World: Achievable or Wishful Thinking?” held on April 14, 2026.
Olusi noted that malaria remains a persistent burden in both rural and urban communities in endemic countries like Nigeria, stressing that delayed treatment often leads to life-threatening complications including organ failure in adults, severe anaemia, breathing difficulties, brain involvement in children, and possible death if not properly managed.
He explained that although global efforts have reduced malaria-related deaths, the disease still ranks among the leading causes of illness and mortality worldwide. According to him, research findings also show that malaria-positive pregnant women often present with low parasite levels in the blood alongside reduced packed cell volume (PCV), a condition he linked to maternal anaemia in endemic regions.
The professor further highlighted that malaria infection significantly affects vital organs, particularly the liver and kidneys, which he described as highly vulnerable during severe cases.
Addressing the broader question of parasite elimination, Olusi cautioned against the belief that a completely parasite-free world is attainable or even beneficial. He argued that parasites form part of ecological systems and contribute to biological balance, adding that total eradication could trigger unintended environmental consequences.
Instead, he advocated targeted control measures, especially the interruption of mosquito breeding and transmission cycles. He identified environmental conditions close to human settlements as a key factor supporting mosquito proliferation.
While supporting vector control efforts, the don warned against excessive reliance on synthetic chemical insecticides, noting that their long-term use may leave harmful residues that accumulate through the food chain. He called for greater exploration of safer, environmentally friendly alternatives such as plant-based (botanical) solutions.
Olusi defined parasites as organisms that depend on a host for survival, often deriving nourishment at the host’s expense. He explained that over time, many parasites and their hosts have evolved a form of biological balance, where the parasite does not usually kill the host to ensure its own survival, citing examples such as tapeworms which often live without causing immediate fatal outcomes.
He also drew attention to the wider economic and social impact of parasitic diseases, stating that they remain a major contributor to global poverty and reduced productivity. He noted that illnesses such as malaria, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted worm infections cost billions annually in healthcare spending and lost economic output, while also affecting education and workforce efficiency.
According to him, emerging environmental changes driven by urban growth, industrial activities, and climate variability are also influencing the spread and pattern of parasitic infections, with the greatest impact felt by vulnerable populations.
“Parasites are not only medical concerns but also social and economic burdens that affect homes, schools, farms, and workplaces,” he noted, while pointing out that some parasites, such as the medicinal leech, are still being used in modern surgical procedures, demonstrating their potential benefits in biomedical science.
Olusi therefore urged increased research into parasitology for innovative applications in medicine, biotechnology, and sustainable development, rather than focusing solely on elimination.
He concluded that complete eradication of parasites is neither practical nor ecologically advisable, stressing the need for a balanced approach combining scientific research, public health intervention, and environmental awareness.
In her remarks as Chairman of the occasion, the Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, described the lecturer as a distinguished academic who has made significant contributions to research and knowledge development in parasitology. She commended the lecture, describing its theme as timely and relevant to global health and environmental sustainability.
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