Beyond Mosquito Nets: Clean Environments Hold the Key to Ending Malaria in Nigeria

Days after the commemoration of World Malaria Day, renewed concerns have emerged over Nigeria’s ongoing battle with one of its most persistent public health challenges. Despite years of intervention programmes, awareness campaigns, and the widespread distribution of mosquito nets, malaria continues to affect millions of Nigerians annually. Health experts argue that the issue extends beyond medical intervention, pointing instead to everyday environmental practices that are often neglected.

Speaking with our correspondents, a public health expert, Dr. Alexandra Iheanacho Nwoke, emphasized that malaria remains widespread largely due to poor compliance with environmental sanitation and hygiene practices in many communities. She noted that although efforts have been made at various levels, the lack of sustained behavioural change continues to hinder meaningful progress.

Dr. Nwoke also addressed common misconceptions about the disease, particularly the belief held by some that malaria is caused by eating oily food. She described this notion as false and misleading, stressing that malaria is transmitted exclusively through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

“Tackling malaria requires a collective effort from government, communities, and individuals. We must prioritise proper waste management, maintain cleaner surroundings, and ensure sustained funding for malaria control programmes. The situation we are facing today is largely linked to poor compliance with environmental sanitation and hygiene practices,” she said.

She further explained that stagnant water, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, and poor drainage systems create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, thereby increasing the risk of malaria transmission, especially in densely populated urban and rural areas.

Adding another perspective, consultant epidemiologist Dr. Tunde Adebayo highlighted the need for stronger policy implementation and deeper community engagement. According to him, while awareness about malaria is relatively high, translating that knowledge into consistent preventive action remains a major challenge.

“People know about malaria, but knowledge alone is not enough. We need to move from awareness to action. This includes regular environmental sanitation, proper use of insecticide-treated nets, and early diagnosis and treatment. Government policies must also be enforced more strictly to ensure communities adhere to sanitation regulations,” he said.

Dr. Adebayo further stressed the importance of local government involvement, noting that grassroots participation is critical to sustaining sanitation efforts and monitoring compliance. He added that while medical interventions such as antimalarial drugs and preventive therapies are essential, they cannot single-handedly eliminate the disease. Instead, he called for a multi-dimensional approach combining healthcare delivery, environmental management, and behavioural change.

By Nzeuzor Jane and Maduadugwo Jane, Port Harcourt