The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has stressed that improving human living conditions is critical to eradicating malaria in Nigeria.
Dr. Adeola Olukosi, Director of Research and Head of NIMR’s Malaria Research Group, made the assertion during the December edition of the NIMR Monthly Media Chat on Tuesday in Lagos.
Olukosi explained that environmental factors play a major role in sustaining malaria in many regions, noting that while significant progress has been made in some countries, living conditions remain the primary line of defense.
“In parts of the world where malaria has been eliminated, improved living conditions were instrumental. In the U.S. and southern Europe, malaria was once endemic. Better housing, sanitation, and infrastructure helped eradicate the disease more than medications or chemicals alone,” she said.
She pointed out that colder climates and socioeconomic improvements made it easier for these societies to eliminate the malaria vector. In contrast, regions like Nigeria continue to face challenges such as inadequate housing, poor sanitation, and environmental conditions conducive to mosquito breeding.
Olukosi urged stakeholders to combine medical and technological interventions with efforts to uplift living standards. “The bottom line is we cannot do it by ourselves. We need synergy, cooperation, and assistance, especially from malaria-free regions,” she said.
She also highlighted that malaria remains endemic in populations with genetic traits such as the sickle cell gene, as parasites can thrive in such environments.
Olukosi recommended that Nigeria and other malaria-endemic countries invest in better housing, sanitation, and infrastructure for long-term malaria control. She noted that NIMR continues to engage in treatment research, case management, vector control, and preventive measures in collaboration with the National Malaria Programme.
Also speaking, NIMR Director-General, Prof. John Obafunwa, identified misdiagnosis of fever as malaria as a major challenge in Nigeria. He warned that automatically attributing all fevers to malaria contributes to drug resistance and delays treatment for other illnesses.
Obafunwa further explained that social factors, including gender, economic status, and occupational exposure, influence malaria prevention and treatment. He cited examples such as rice farmers in waterlogged fields and family decision-making structures that can delay care, especially for women and children.
“Successful malaria control isn’t just about distributing bed nets or medicines. Interventions must address medical, social, and behavioral dimensions, with community engagement and targeted support for vulnerable populations,” he said.
