By Joke Kujenya
PERSISTENT MALARIA vulnerability among children has raised concern as Nigeria’s National Malaria Elimination Programme (NNMEP) reports that only 44.9% use insecticide treated mosquito nets while about 97% of the population remains at risk of infection.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the warning was highlighted on April 20, 2026, alongside renewed calls for stronger prevention strategies, increased testing and reduced reliance on self medication in malaria treatment across the country.
Also, health data shows that Nigeria carries one of the highest malaria burdens globally, with children under five identified as the most vulnerable group due to low net usage, environmental exposure and limited access to prompt treatment.
The programme stated that inadequate use of preventive tools such as insecticide treated nets continues to undermine national efforts to reduce malaria transmission despite ongoing distribution campaigns and awareness programmes.
It warned against self medication, stressing that many cases worsen due to delayed diagnosis or improper drug use, which complicates treatment outcomes and increases the risk of severe infection.
The situation reflects a gap between policy implementation and household level compliance, with preventive tools widely distributed but consistent usage remaining low among vulnerable populations.
The data also stresses the need for stronger behavioural interventions, improved healthcare access and sustained public health education to address the protection gap.
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