228 million malaria cases recorded in 2021 – WHO

The  World Health Organisation said that 228 million cases of malaria were recorded globally in 2021. It added that 95 percent of the estimated cases occurred in the WHO/AFRO Region. The organization also said no fewer than 602, 020 deaths were recorded within the same period.

A statement on Sunday by the Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, said six countries in Africa accounted for 55 percent of the case globally. He, however, did not disclose their names. Moeti, however, said the organisation recorded a milestone with the malaria vaccine in the past year.

He stated, “The past year has seen significant breakthroughs in malaria prevention and control, in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. Landmark recommendations on the use of the first vaccine against malaria – RTS – were released by the WHO late last year. This vaccine will be used to prevent malaria among children aged six months to five years, who live in moderate- to high-transmission settings.

“While this is a groundbreaking advance in the development of new tools to fight this disease with the potential to save millions of lives, supplies are currently limited. As such, it is important to ensure that the doses that are available are utilised for maximum impact, while ensuring continued availability of other preventive measures to those mostly at risk.

“Malaria remains a significant public health and development challenges. Last year, about 95 percent of the estimated 228 million cases occurred in the WHO/AFRO Region, along with 602 020 reported deaths. Six of our countries, the worst-impacted by malaria in the region, are reported to have accounted for up to 55 percent of cases globally, and for 50 percent of these deaths.”

He said World Malaria Day was an occasion to renew political commitment and encourage continued investment in malaria prevention and control.

Moeti called on countries and communities affected by malaria to work closely with development partners to advance our countries along the road to elimination while contributing to the achievement of other Sustainable Development Goals.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, House Committee on Health, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, has decried the heavy importation of drugs. According to him, Nigeria has no business importing anti-malaria drugs, among others, with the resources at our disposal.

He added that the genetic difference between the country of export and Nigeria was more of the reason we should produce and consume drugs made in the country. Sununu spoke at the presentation of the International Organisation for Standardisation 9001: 2015 certificate to the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.

The Registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, Elijah Mohammed, said the journey to certification began following the assessment visit by the WHO to Nigeria in June 2019 for the global benchmarking exercise of the Nigerian Regulatory Authority. He added that it was during the visit that it was recommended that PCN should institutionalize Quality Management System.