25th of April! The world pauses to dedicate 24 hours to just look at malaria and how it affects us all.
Malaria has remained an ongoing concern in the field of public health because of its centrality to health outcomes and attainment of Universal Health coverage in low- and middle-income countries.
Malaria accounts for up to 40 percent of public health spending in highly endemic countries. Transmission of the disease occurs all year round, making it a major cause of morbidity and mortality. As a result, Nigeria accounts for 32 percent of the global estimate of 655,000 malaria deaths annually. Women and children are significantly affected: almost 4,000 maternal deaths occur due to malaria every year, while an estimated 300,000 children die from the disease annually.
Over 350 billion Naira is lost annually in productivity in Nigeria due to workplace and school absenteeism as well as high treatment costs. This is hardly surprising as 97% of Nigerians are at risk of malaria infection, with 60% outpatient visits and 30% of hospitalizations due to the disease. In addition to direct costs to business and the economy, the disease indirectly damages the economy through the deterioration of human capital and the loss in savings, investments, and tax revenues.
Reducing the impact of malaria could also boost Nigeria’s economy by promoting savings and investment. Gallup and Sachs (2001) found circumstantial evidence showing that the eradication of malaria in southern Europe in the 1940s and 1950s spurred economic growth by allowing for a significant increase in foreign investment and tourism to the region.
The Nigerian private sector is among the most vibrant and fast growing in the world and is driving economic growth in the country. The private sector, therefore, can have an important role in mitigating problems associated with malaria disease burdens. Deploying some of the resources and capabilities that have contributed to its success, the private sector could make a significant impact in the drive for malaria elimination. Some of the suggested areas for this support which would include in kind and financial support through its expertise Human resources, technology, improved access, and uptake through infrastructure support. Additionally, the private sector employs several families because of the individuals that are employed so it considered to have a broader audience cutting across several income brackets.
In return, investment in the elimination of malaria – a disease that affects all Nigerians – may also create opportunities for individual corporations to extend their reach to consumers. As part of the organisation’s CSR, contributing to an increasingly successful programme to eliminate malaria (a primary health concern for 78% of Nigerians) could be an effective way to create impact.
Dr. Anne Adah-Ogoh
HEAD, POLICY AND PROGRAMS PSHAN
