Environmental Neglect Deepening Nigeria’s Malaria Crisis — Prof. Ujah
By Amos Aar
Nigeria’s persistent malaria burden is being fuelled by worsening environmental conditions and fragmented health strategies, according to Professor Innocent Ujah, a former President of the Nigerian Medical Association and pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO).
In an interview with Channels Television, Prof. Ujah decried the country’s continued status as the global epicenter of malaria, accounting for 31% of worldwide deaths and 27% of cases. He attributed this alarming statistic to insufficient investments, disjointed planning, and a failure to address environmental health hazards.
“Our cities are plagued by poor hygiene, rampant open defecation, and inadequate waste management. These conditions create fertile grounds for malaria transmission,” he said, emphasizing that current efforts to combat the disease lack coherence and commitment across relevant sectors.
While acknowledging some progress in recent years, Prof. Ujah said the scale of Nigeria’s malaria problem demands far more than ad-hoc interventions. “We’re not doing enough in research, awareness campaigns, or strategic planning. There’s a disconnect between agencies responsible for public health, especially with environmental health being sidelined,” he noted.
He further criticized the withdrawal of a $73 million malaria grant by the U.S. government, warning that Nigeria must stop over-relying on foreign aid. Instead, he called for internal resource mobilization and smarter budgetary choices.
“We can’t depend solely on donor funding. Funds used for non-essential meetings should be redirected toward providing basic diagnostic tools and affordable malaria treatment,” he stated.
Highlighting the need to strengthen local research capacity, Prof. Ujah urged the federal government to empower institutions like the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), drawing inspiration from the U.S. National Institutes of Health where scientific research drives national policy.
Despite Nigeria’s wealth of skilled health professionals, he lamented the lack of supportive environments necessary for homegrown innovation and breakthrough solutions.
Prof. Ujah also challenged state and local governments to take greater ownership of primary healthcare delivery. Citing Lagos State’s exemplary handling of the Ebola crisis, he advocated for inter-state collaboration and peer reviews to replicate successful models across the country.
“Health should not be seen as an exclusive responsibility of the federal government. Governors must stop undermining local governments and instead empower them to deliver basic services,” he said.
On his reported suspension from FUHSO, Ujah dismissed the claim as false, clarifying that he stepped down voluntarily upon retirement. “I was not suspended. I retired. Those who tried to tarnish my image have themselves faced consequences,” he stated.
He called for a national dialogue on health sector reform and local government restructuring, warning that unless bold action is taken, Nigeria risks handing the scourge of malaria to future generations.
