Report Reveals Limited Preventive Tools, Trust Deficit Hamper Malaria Prevention

Linus Aleke in Abuja

A recent survey has revealed that malaria prevention efforts in Nigeria continue to face significant obstacles, with limited availability of preventive tools, affordability challenges and a growing trust deficit slowing progress in the fight against the disease.

The findings indicate that many Nigerians remain reluctant to adopt malaria prevention measures due to doubts about their effectiveness, while others are unable to afford essential commodities such as insecticide-treated nets and antimalarial medications.

In addition, weak distribution networks and inconsistent supply across both urban and rural areas have further restricted access, leaving large segments of the population vulnerable to malaria.

Speaking at the two-day Malaria Market Stakeholder Engagement and Dissemination Workshop in Abuja, Programme Manager for Malaria Market Analysis at the Malaria Consortium, James Abu, said the meeting was convened to bring together stakeholders to review the findings of a recent national survey.

Abu explained that the study examined the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and revealed significant gaps in both ownership and utilisation. 

According to him, many households do not have mosquito nets primarily because they cannot afford them. 

He noted that most families rely on government distribution campaigns to obtain the nets, meaning that those who live in areas not covered by the campaigns or who missed the distribution often remain without them.

He further disclosed that even among households that possess the nets, many people do not use them regularly.

“Some individuals expressed doubts about their effectiveness, while others complained about the strong chemicals used in treating them. In several rural communities, the nets are sometimes diverted to other uses such as fishing or protecting farms and horticulture.

“As a result, people are unable to benefit from protection against mosquito bites, which are the primary cause of malaria,” he said, adding that although some individuals use alternative prevention methods such as insecticide sprays and lotions, affordability and availability remain major challenges across the country.

The study, he noted, was designed to gather data that would help stakeholders better understand the constraints affecting access to malaria prevention products.

“We are sharing what we obtained from the field and discussing the findings together so that stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs and partners in the malaria response, can develop a shared understanding of the problems in the marketplace,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, WHO Malaria Programme Manager, Dr Lynda Ozor, stressed the importance of research in guiding policy decisions. 

She said the World Health Organisation encourages innovation and evidence-based research to ensure that policy recommendations are grounded in reliable data.

Ozor added that the organisation works with countries to support policy formulation and help define research priorities based on existing implementation challenges, noting that targeted research is critical to improving malaria control interventions.