Malaria is a major public health concern in Nigeria with an estimated 194 000 deaths recorded for the year 2021. The country has the highest burden of malaria globally accounting for nearly 27% of the global deaths. The disease is present all year round with the northern and northern-eastern part of the countries being more affected. However, there is a malaria peak starting from middle of July until mid-October where we see higher mortality rates with pregnant women and children being most affected. MSF medical teams responds to the malaria outbreak in its medical facilities across North-west, North-East and Central States in Nigeria through the use of rapid diagnostic test, artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) treatment and intravenous antimalarials for complicated cases.

In Zamfara state, Northwest Nigeria, high levels of insecurity and scarcity of health facilities with quality services and medical material make access to healthcare extremely challenging. In this context, patients with malaria treated at MSF general hospitals in Zurmi and Shinkafi or in the paediatric IPD in Gummi or Talata Mafara often arrive with complications. The best way to prevent malaria is to avoid being bitten by the mosquitoes that carry the parasite, through the use of mosquito nets, which are unavailable for many, particularly displaced populations affected by violence.