Eliminating malaria in Nigeria: insights from Egypt's success and pathways to sustainable eradication

Abstract

Malaria remains a critical public health challenge in Nigeria, with the country bearing the highest global burden of the disease. Despite ongoing efforts, malaria continues to exact significant health, economic, and social tolls. Inspired by Egypt's successful malaria elimination strategies, this study explores actionable interventions that Nigeria can adapt to achieve sustainable malaria eradication. Egypt's achievements were driven by robust surveillance systems, vector control measures, political commitment, community engagement, and international collaboration. These strategies are assessed for scalability and applicability within Nigeria's unique socio-political and environmental context. Key focus areas include integrating advanced vector control techniques, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and fostering cross-border partnerships to mitigate transboundary transmission. Additionally, innovative approaches to address drug resistance, enhance public awareness, and promote equitable access to diagnosis and treatment are discussed. The recent rollout of Nigeria's R21 malaria vaccine underscores the need for complementary strategies, such as environmental management and improved surveillance technologies. By adopting a holistic, multi-sectoral approach informed by Egypt's success, Nigeria can significantly reduce its malaria burden, enhance health outcomes, and contribute to global malaria eradication efforts. This study emphasizes the importance of sustained political will, resource allocation, and community participation in achieving long-term success in malaria control and elimination.

Keywords: Egypt malaria elimination; Malaria; Malaria eradication; Malaria in Nigeria; Sustainable eradication.

Fig. 1

Strategic approaches to malaria eradication created by OA, and reviewed by all authors