Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sounded the alarm on the devastating impact of malaria on Nigeria’s economy and society. According to Sanwo-Olu, malaria is more than just a disease – it’s a socio-economic burden that has held back individuals, families, and communities for far too long.
The statistics are staggering. In Lagos State alone, malaria treatment can consume up to 3% of monthly earnings for households with modest incomes. This financial strain forces families to make heartbreaking choices between healthcare and other basic needs like food or education.
But the economic impact of malaria extends far beyond households. Businesses suffer from absenteeism, schools record lower attendance rates among children, and the healthcare system bears the weight of preventable cases.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that eradicating malaria is not just a health goal, but an economic imperative. According to a report by Malaria No More UK, Nigeria could benefit from a GDP increase of nearly $34 billion by 2030 if malaria is eradicated.
The Lagos State government has launched a malaria pre-elimination and digitization program to tackle the disease. The program aims to reduce malaria prevalence to below 1% and transition the state into a malaria pre-elimination phase.
Key Takeaways:
- Economic Burden: Malaria treatment can consume up to 3% of monthly earnings for households with modest incomes.
- Socio-Economic Impact: Malaria forces families to make heartbreaking choices between healthcare and other basic needs.
- GDP Increase: Nigeria could benefit from a GDP increase of nearly $34 billion by 2030 if malaria is eradicated.
- Malaria Pre-Elimination: The Lagos State government has launched a program to reduce malaria prevalence to below 1% and transition the state into a malaria pre-elimination phase.