The Society for Family Health (SFH) has recently reported that about three billion US dollars is lost to malaria yearly in Nigeria due to out of pocket treatment and prevention costs. Hence, Malaria has accounted for about six out of 10 out-patient visits and three of 10 admissions in healthcare facilities.
“Only two of 10 caregivers use Artemisinin Combination Therapy, the gold standard, to treat malaria in children less than five years. While only three out of 10 children receive treatment within 24 hours when they have malaria,” SFH study shows.
According to SFH, the amount spent on Malaria could be used for development activities if it becomes a thing of the past. The amount lost could also pay the annual salaries of 2.2 million Nigerians using the present minimum wage template.
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