WHO’s Commitment To Malaria Eradication In Nigeria: A Historical And Financial Overview Part 1

By Jeremiah Kayode

Introduction

There is no doubt that malaria has long been a major public health challenge in Nigeria, affecting millions of lives each year. Despite the Nigeria’s progress in various sectors since its independence in 1960, the fight against malaria remains one of its most significant health issues. According to data, Nigeria accounts for a substantial proportion of global malaria cases and deaths, with the disease continuing to burden its healthcare system and economy.

The World Health Organization (WHO), as the leading international public health body, has been at the forefront of efforts to eradicate malaria worldwide. Since the 1950s, WHO has been a critical partner in Nigeria’s battle against malaria, offering both technical expertise and financial support. Its role in malaria control and eradication in Nigeria has been shaped by various global initiatives and programs designed to reduce the prevalence of malaria, improve treatment access and strengthen health systems.

This article aims to provide some kind of analysis of WHO’s involvement in malaria eradication in Nigeria, examining its historical contributions, financial commitments and ongoing efforts. From the early days of WHO’s engagement to present-day initiatives, we explore the resources allocated, key milestones and challenges faced in this ongoing fight.

Historical Background of Malaria in Nigeria

Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has faced numerous challenges related to public health, with malaria being one of the most persistent. Malaria is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito and is caused by the Plasmodium parasite (you will remember basic biology lessons. The disease remains endemic across Nigeria, with all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory affected. Nigeria has been described as one of the highest burden countries in the world, contributing significantly to the global malaria burden.

Before WHO’s active involvement, Nigeria relied primarily on limited domestic resources and local health initiatives to combat malaria. The country’s efforts were often fragmented and there was a lack of coordinated national strategies. Early responses focused on vector control measures, such as the use of insecticides and the distribution of mosquito nets. However, these efforts faced challenges, including limited healthcare infrastructure, lack of effective treatment options and inadequate awareness among the population?

WHO’s initial involvement in Nigeria came in the form of technical assistance and the provision of guidelines for malaria prevention and treatment.  In the 1950s and 1960s, WHO initiated the Global Malaria Eradication Programme (GMEP), which aimed to eliminate malaria in specific regions. Nigeria was included in this initiative, which marked the beginning of WHO’s sustained engagement in the Nigeria’s malaria control efforts.

WHO’s Role and Commitment to Malaria Eradication

The World Health Organization’s commitment to malaria eradication is rooted in its broader mission to improve global health and reduce preventable diseases. WHO’s first major effort to combat malaria globally was the establishment of the Global Malaria Eradication Programme (GMEP) in 1955. The program focused on eliminating malaria in areas where transmission was low, using insecticides like DDT for indoor spraying and providing anti-malarial drugs.

However, after 22 years, the success of GMEP was limited and by the 1970s, the program was abandoned due to increasing resistance to insecticides and drugs. In the following decades, the focus shifted to control rather than eradication, with WHO emphasizing integrated malaria management strategies.

In 1998, WHO launched the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) initiative, a global partnership that involved governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international agencies and the private sector. The aim of RBM was to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality by improving prevention, treatment and control measures.

Nigeria, with its high burden of malaria, was an active participant in the Roll Back Malaria initiative. The partnership resulted in the implementation of several key interventions, including the widespread distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), the introduction of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) and improved diagnostic tools for malaria.

Throughout the years, WHO has maintained a strong commitment to Nigeria’s malaria eradication efforts by providing funding, technical expertise and facilitating partnerships with other organizations such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) and the United States President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI).

Financial and Resource Commitment to Nigeria’s Malaria Fight

WHO’s financial and resource commitment to malaria eradication (or management) in Nigeria has been significant, although the exact figures for the total resources allocated since independence are difficult to estimate. However, several key funding mechanisms and initiatives have played a crucial role in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat malaria.  Some of these initiatives include:

1. Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM): One of the largest contributors to malaria control in Nigeria has been the Global Fund. WHO has worked closely with the Global Fund to channel resources into the country’s malaria control programs. Between 2003 and 2020, Nigeria received substantial funding from the Global Fund to support the distribution of ITNs, the procurement of ACTs and the expansion of malaria diagnostic services.  According to WHO and Global Fund reports, over $1 billion has been allocated to malaria programs in Nigeria through the Global Fund alone. This has helped fund large-scale distribution campaigns of ITNs, malaria diagnostics and treatments.
2. Bilateral Partnerships: In addition to its own funding, WHO has played an instrumental role in facilitating bilateral funding relationships, such as the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), which was launched by the U.S. government in 2005. PMI was also reported to have provided millions of dollars in support of malaria prevention and treatment programs in Nigeria and WHO’s involvement has been critical in ensuring that PMI resources are utilized effectively.
3. WHO’s Direct Contributions: WHO has provided direct financial support and in-kind resources to Nigeria through various initiatives, including capacity-building programs for health workers, research grants for malaria control innovations and technical assistance for policy development. WHO has also supported Nigeria’s malaria diagnostic and surveillance systems, which are essential for monitoring the disease burden and assessing program effectiveness.

To conclude this article, I acknowledge 597,000 malaria deaths in 2023, 263 million new cases of malaria in 2023, 95% of all malaria cases are in WHO African Region, I doubt that malaria will end with us, even if we Reinvest, Reimagine and Reignite our commitment, if we continue in this trend.  Are you winning?