Nigeria carries more of the world’s malaria burden than any other country. Simple prevention, testing before treating, and quick care for danger signs save lives — especially for children and pregnant women.
🦟 Malaria in Nigeria
Malaria is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes, which mostly bite between evening and early morning. According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria accounts for roughly a quarter of all malaria cases in the world. Children under five and pregnant women are at the highest risk of severe illness.
🛡️ How to prevent it
Insecticide-treated nets are one of the best protections. Tuck the edges in and repair holes.
Every nightApply mosquito repellent in the evening, especially outdoors.
EveningsNets on windows and doors keep mosquitoes out.
HomeClear gutters, old tyres, buckets and containers where mosquitoes breed.
WeeklyPregnant women should attend antenatal care, where they can receive preventive treatment.
AntenatalNigeria began introducing the R21 malaria vaccine for young children in 2024, starting in some states. Ask your health centre.
Children🌡️ Common symptoms
- Fever, sometimes with chills and sweating
- Headache and body pains
- Tiredness and weakness
- Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite
- In children: fever, poor feeding, sleepiness or irritability
Many illnesses — like typhoid, flu or COVID — can look like malaria. A quick test (RDT) or microscopy at a clinic or pharmacy confirms it before treatment.
🚨 Get help urgently if you see these
Go to a hospital immediately for: confusion or extreme sleepiness, convulsions (fits), difficulty breathing, inability to drink or keep fluids down, very dark urine, yellow eyes, or a pregnant woman or young child with high fever. Severe malaria can kill within hours.
