Lifesaving Interventions are crucial in the Fight to Reduce Malaria across Northeastern Nigeria

Lifesaving Interventions are crucial in the Fight to Reduce Malaria across Northeastern Nigeria. 

Each year, World Malaria Day provides an opportunity to renew political commitment and continued investment in malaria prevention services across the world. 

As April 25th approaches, United to Beat Malaria is drawing support for northeastern Nigeria. Nigeria continues to suffer from a historically high malaria-burden, with the country accounting for 31.9% of malaria deaths worldwide. 

For the last decade, Borno State has also faced one of the world’s most complicated and humanitarian emergencies. Boko Haram has left over seven million in need of urgent humanitarian aid, however   many parts of this remote region are considered highly dangerous and thus very difficult for health and aid workers to reach.   

On the ground, local residents of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States spoke to our partners about the insurgency crisis’s impact on healthcare, including malaria services. 

Meet Hasfat.

Hafsat Alhaji Gana is a pregnant mother living in Borno State.

Hafsat Alhaji Gana, is a 35-year-old mother of six children with a seventh child on the way. She is one of millions of people impacted by the Boko Haram insurgency. Hafsat spoke with our partner on the group in Borno State about the impact of the insurgency on her community and their ability to receive healthcare.

She told us that it is often hard to find transportation because drivers do not want to take the risk of being stopped by insurgents. Hafsat said, “you will be continuously stopped on the way and you will already be scared before reaching the hospital.” 

Malaria disproportionately impacts pregnant women and can lead to health complications for both mother and child. Improving access to healthcare facilities is especially important for expecting mothers. 

She also told us that the hospitals have limited hours and staff due to enforced curfews. 

By funding malaria prevention services, we can give women, like Hasfat, the tools they need to stay healthy without having to access clinics or hospitals for treatment. These interventions will  help alleviate some of the burden on healthcare systems. 

Meet Hauwa. 

Hauwa Sa’idu is a mother of six, currently living in Umarari. 

Hauwa is 30 years old and a mother to six children.  She lives with her family in Umarari, Nigeria.  Like many mothers in the region, Hauwa watched her daughter suffer after contracting malaria.  

Hauwa recalled her family’s firsthand experience with malaria. 

“It started with fever at first, a very serious fever indeed. Her condition worsened, her eye color changed, and I took her to a hospital,” she explained. “She was admitted immediately and given some water drip, two injections and drugs were prescribed. I was also shown how to use the prescribed drugs.” 

Thankfully, her daughter received the treatment she needed and made a full recovery. But for thousands of children living in Northeast Nigeria, that’s not always the case.

Malaria – an entirely preventable and treatable disease – remains the biggest cause of reported illnesses and even deaths in Borno State, Nigeria. 

United to Beat Malaria is committed to changing that.

 By supporting our campaign across Northeastern Nigeria, your gift will help expand essential malaria prevention interventions for the most vulnerable, displaced and conflict-affected people in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States.

Our campaign will support the distribution of 78,000 long-lasting insecticide treated nets and lifesaving malaria treatment as well as malaria diagnosis training across Northeast Nigeria. 

As World Malaria Day approaches this year, we hope you’ll join us in fighting malaria in some of the world’s most vulnerable, hard-to-reach communities. Your gift will help expand essential malaria prevention interventions for young children in Northeast Nigeria.  

Give today and make 2X the impact for children at risk.