By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Dr Folusho Balogun, Consultant Paediatrician, Institute of Child Health, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has advised parents to investigate, treat and take all fever cases in their children seriously.
She gave the advice on Tuesday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.
Balogun, who is also the Oyo State Team Lead, International Pediatrics Association and Paediatric Association of Nigeria Immunisation Champions, spoke ahead of World Malaria Day 2026.
NAN reports that World Malaria Day is commemorated annually on April 25, with theme for 2026 as “Driven to End Malaria: Now we can. Now we must”.
The paediatrician warned that delay in addressing fever related cases and administering right treatments had severe consequences on children and could lead to death.
He noted that malaria treatment was available and urged parents to get any child experiencing fever investigated and treated promptly.
According to her, malaria is still seen all year round, but there are far more cases during the rainy season.
“Children less than five years give us much concern as they are more likely to come down with malaria and have complications which can kill them or leave them disabled.
“No parent should wait to see signs of severe malaria before acting, when it is severe, it means that a lot of time has been wasted before getting treatment.
“So, all fevers must be investigated timely, and if malaria is suspected or confirmed, it must be promptly treated.
“However, severe malaria can present with severe anaemia, abnormal breathing, convulsion, loss of consciousness, kidney failure, jaundice and passing dark/coke colored urine”.
She said that most children died from preventable malaria cases because they were reported too late at the hospital.
Balogun said that for effective management of the situation, all fevers should be investigated and managed appropriately and timely.
She emphasised that malaria vaccine had been included in the routine infant vaccination schedule of Nigeria while only infants got it for now.
She, however, stressed the need for it to also be extended to pregnant women because they could also develop severe forms of malaria.
She noted that Nigeria had made remarkable efforts in combating malaria scorge across the country.
According to her, available data from Kebbi state showed reduction in under five mortality from 8.97 per cent to 6.13 per cent between January and October 2025, following the roll out of the malaria vaccine.
“Infant mortality also fell from 2.99 per cent to 1.59 per cent in the same period”.
“Yes, Nigeria is winning but we can move faster”.
“In addition, Lagos State recorded a reduction of malaria from 15 per cent in 2010 to 1.5 per cent in 2025.
“So, it is possible to eliminate malaria in Nigeria”, she said.
Balogun called on all Nigerians to make conscious efforts to prevent malaria in their little corners.
“Cut grasses around us, clear our drainage to stop mosquitos from breeding in them, use insecticide treated nets, have nets on our windows and doors.
“Also, treat all cases of malaria promptly with effective antimalarial.
“Malaria can be conquered, but our collective effort is needed to achieve it, everything does not start and end with the government, community participation is very crucial.
“Ending malaria should be everybody’s responsibility,” Balogun said.
She said that the 2026 World Malaria Day theme was apt.
“We have to believe it and start taking steps to end malaria and we can do it.
“Cabo Verde was certified malaria free in 2024. Cabo Verde is in Africa, so we, too, can do it,” Balogun said.
NAN
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