Nigeria recorded 31% of global malaria death in 2021
Nigeria was among the four countries that accounted for nearly half of the global malaria cases and malaria deaths in 2021 World Health Organisation have said.
What are the figures?
According to the WHO World Malaria report released on Thursday, malaria cases and death remained stable in 2021 despite the continued impact of Covid-19.
The report showed that 247 million malaria cases and 619,000 deaths were recorded globally in 2021, indicating an increase of two million cases and a decrease of six million deaths compared to the start of the pandemic in 2019.
According to the report, “twenty-nine countries accounted for 96% of malaria cases globally, and four countries- Nigeria (27%), Democratic Republic of Congo (12%), Uganda (5%) and Mozambique (4%)-accounted for almost half of all cases globally”.
“About 96% of malaria deaths globally were in 29 countries. Four countries accounted for just over half of all malaria deaths globally: Nigeria (31%), the Democratic Republic of Congo (13%) Niger Republic (4%), and the United Republic of Tanzania (4%)” the report added.
WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus speaking after the release of the report, said countries affected by an increased number of malaria cases and deaths during the Covid-19 pandemic redoubled their efforts and were able to mitigate the worst impacts of Covid related disruptions.
“We face many challenges, but there are many reasons for hope. By strengthening the response, understanding and mitigating the risks building resilience, and accelerating research, there is every reason to dream of a malaria-free future,” he said.
