The Federal Government said an estimated 55 million cases of malaria and nearly 90,000 malaria deaths occur each year in Nigeria.
The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire disclosed this at a press briefing to commemorate the World Malaria Day, themed ‘Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement,’ with the slogan ‘Act now.’
Dr Ehanire, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mamman Mamuda, said despite efforts by the government and its partners to combat the effects of malaria in the country, the country still accounts for 27 per cent of global malaria cases and 32 per cent of global malaria deaths.
“It is estimated that approximately 55 million cases of malaria and nearly 90,000 malaria deaths occur each year in our country.
“Malaria also has an adverse effect on the economy of our nation as it is the major cause of absenteeism in schools, offices, businesses, markets and thereby reducing the income of families, including the hardship of out-of-pocket expenses borne by Nigerians yearly for diagnosis and treatment.
