Ibadan Journal of the Social Sciences
Volume 19, No. 1, 2021
DOI: 10.36108/ijss/1202.91.0150
Spatio-temporal Epidemiology of Malaria Mortality in Nigeria: Why the war against poverty must be won
Tolulope Osayomi1, Philip Nduka Igboba1, Lawrence Enejeta Akpoterai2.3 and Ayobami Abayomi Popoola4
1Department of Geography, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
2Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
3Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
4SARChi Chair for Inclusive Cities, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Abstract
Malaria is a major parasitic disease in the world including Nigeria which currently bears the brunt of the global malaria mortality burden. This paper responds to the need for all countries in the world including Nigeria to understand the geographical distribution and drivers of malaria mortality with the aim of consolidating the gains of global malaria elimination. The thrust of this paper therefore was to examine the geographical distribution, spatial clustering and determinant(s) of malaria mortality in Nigeria from 2006 to 2010. Retrospective data used in this research were obtained from published sources and were analysed with the aid of statistical and spatial analytical tools. Very noticeable state variations were observed in the pattern of malaria mortality, and strong and persistent clustering of malaria-related deaths was found in northwest Nigeria particularly Kano State due to high levels of malaria transmission. Lastly, there was a significant and differential effect of poverty on its geographical distribution; with the greatest effect felt in the north of Nigeria. In order to reduce death toll associated with the disease, the war against poverty must not only be intensified but should be mainstreamed into the national malaria control programme.