On World Malaria Day 2026, residents in Kebbi and Kano states reported escalating costs of malaria treatment and persistent high infection rates, worsening financial strain on households. In Birnin Kebbi, Andrew Umudeh said he paid over N100,000 to treat three family members at a private hospital after public care failed to improve their condition. Dauda Adamu, a mechanic, described spending heavily on drugs and hospital admission for himself and his child, now relying on mosquito nets to avoid repeat expenses. Civil servant Abdullahi Augie said treating his two sons cost over N27,000 in one day, with discharge costs still unknown.
Umar Alkali of the Kebbi State Primary Healthcare Management Agency confirmed a recent surge in malaria cases, particularly in Birnin Kebbi, and said the state is distributing over three million insecticide-treated nets. In Kano, routine malaria treatment at government facilities costs between N4,000 and N16,000, while private clinics charge between N10,000 and N45,000. Severe cases can cost up to N200,000. Zah, a mother in Kofar Ruwa, said families face double losses—illness and financial drain. Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, said the malaria vaccination programme is expanding to more states, though its four-dose schedule poses follow-up challenges.
The state is distributing mosquito nets again just two years after the last round, yet families in Kebbi are still paying over N100,000 for treatment, suggesting the interventions are not stopping infections or reducing costs. Residents like Andrew Umudeh and Abdullahi Augie are forced into private care after public hospitals fail, exposing a gap between distribution campaigns and functional healthcare delivery. The rising price of drugs and tests means even those with access to vaccines may still face crippling out-of-pocket expenses. For Nigerian families already stretched by inflation, malaria remains less a preventable disease than a recurring financial emergency.
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