Nigerians face double threat: Malaria and soaring drug prices on World Malaria Day

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As Nigeria commemorated World Malaria Day on April 25th, the focus was not just on combating the disease itself, but also on the growing challenge of affordability of anti-malarial medications. Nigerians across the country are lamenting a significant price increase, with some antimalarial drugs experiencing a hike of 23% between November 2023 and April 2024.

World Malaria Day is commemorated every year on April 25 and recognises global efforts to control malaria, with the theme this year as, ‘Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world.’

In November, an Artesunate injection of 120mg was sold for N2,500. The 60mg of the injection was sold for N1,800. Coartem 80/480 was N3,300. Amatem soft gel was N2,500, with Lonart 80/480mg sold for for N2,850.

However, in April, market surveys showed that Artesunate 120mg is about N2,800; 60mg of the injection being sold for N2,000. Coartem 80/480 is now N4,000; Amatem soft gel, N3,000 and Lonart 80/480mg is being sold for N3,500.

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Speaking with media, the national chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists in Nigeria, Adewale Oladigbolu, said the government needed to invest adequately in the health sector to reduce the prices of drugs in the country.

“Patients are not meant to have a problem with the prices of drugs if the health insurance is working in Nigeria. The government needs to invest so we can make Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients because many of the antimalarial drugs are imported.

“For those that are locally made, they have to improve the APIs, and they are subject to changes in exchange rates.

“If the government invests in the sector and partners with the private sector, it will help in the reduction in price of the antimalarial drugs. Nigeria is probably the country that has the highest antimalarial consumption rate in the world,” he said.

This price surge comes at a critical time. Malaria remains a significant public health threat in Nigeria, with millions of cases reported annually. The disease disproportionately affects children under five, placing a heavy burden on families and healthcare systems.

The rise in anti-malarial drug prices is attributed to various factors. Local media investigations point towards potential supply chain disruptions and currency fluctuations. However, the exact reasons remain unclear.

This development adds another layer of complexity to Nigeria’s fight against malaria. While the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes access to affordable anti-malarials as a cornerstone of malaria control efforts, the current situation risks jeopardizing treatment adherence. Patients struggling financially may be forced to forgo medication entirely or opt for cheaper, potentially less effective alternatives. This could lead to increased treatment failures, drug resistance, and potentially more severe cases.

The Nigerian government has acknowledged the issue and reportedly stated they are taking steps to intervene. However, the nature of these interventions and their effectiveness remain to be seen.

The situation on World Malaria Day paints a concerning picture. While Nigeria joins the global effort to control malaria, its citizens grapple with the rising cost of the very tools needed to prevent and treat the disease. Addressing the affordability of anti-malarial drugs should be a top priority for policymakers alongside continued efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and public awareness campaigns.