Learn about malaria, typhoid and hypertension in Nigeria – causes, simple prevention tips and treatment options that work
Common Health Problems in Nigeria: Malaria, Typhoid and Hypertension
Nigeria faces many health challenges every year. Three of the most common ones are malaria, typhoid fever, and hypertension. These diseases affect millions of people. However, most cases can be prevented or treated if we know the right steps. In this post, we will look at the causes, prevention, and treatment of these three health problems in simple words.
1. Malaria in Nigeria
What causes malaria?
Malaria is caused by parasites called Plasmodium. Female Anopheles mosquitoes carry these parasites. When an infected mosquito bites a person, the parasite enters the blood. In Nigeria, Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous type.
Why is malaria so common here?
First, the weather is hot and rainy for many months. This helps mosquitoes breed fast. Second, many places have stagnant water in gutters, pots, and tires. Moreover, not everyone sleeps under treated nets.
Symptoms
- High fever
- Chills and sweating
- Headache
- Body pain
- Tiredness
Prevention – Simple and Effective Steps
- Sleep inside Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) every night
- Use insect repellent creams or sprays
- Clear bushes around your house
- Cover water containers and clear gutters
- Spray your rooms with safe insecticide
- Pregnant women and children under 5 can take preventive medicine (IPTp and SMC) given free at government clinics
Treatment
The best medicines today are Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) such as Artemether-Lumefantrine (Coartem) or Artesunate-Amodiaquine. Go to the hospital as soon as you feel fever. Do not buy medicine from the roadside. Finish all the doses even if you feel better.
Useful link: World Health Organization – Malaria Fact Sheet
2. Typhoid Fever in Nigeria
What causes typhoid?
Typhoid is caused by bacteria called Salmonella Typhi. People get it from contaminated food or water. For example, eating fruits washed with dirty water or drinking water from unsafe sources can make you sick.
How does it spread so fast in Nigeria?
Many communities still drink water from wells or streams. Street food is very popular, but some vendors do not wash their hands or plates well. Flies also carry the bacteria from toilet to food.
Symptoms
- Long-lasting high fever
- Weakness
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Sometimes rose-colored spots on the skin
Prevention – Easy Daily Habits
- Always boil or treat drinking water (use chlorine tablets or filters)
- Wash hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet
- Cook food very well and eat it hot
- Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water and a little salt or vinegar
- Get the typhoid vaccine (available in hospitals and pharmacies)
Treatment
Doctors use antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin, or Ceftriaxone. However, many typhoid bacteria in Nigeria are now resistant to old medicines like Chloramphenicol. So, always do a blood culture test (Widal is not always correct) and take the full course of antibiotics. Drink a lot of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) to avoid dehydration.
Useful link: Nigeria Centre for Disease Control – Typhoid Fever
Clean water and hand washing stop typhoid fast
3. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) in Nigeria
What is hypertension?
Hypertension means your blood pressure stays too high for a long time. Many people call it “silent killer” because it often has no symptoms until it causes stroke or heart attack.
Main causes in Nigeria
- Eating too much salt (especially in Maggi, salt, and processed foods)
- Little or no exercise
- Too much stress
- Overweight or obesity
- Drinking a lot of alcohol
- Smoking
- Family history
Symptoms (when they appear)
- Headache at the back of the head in the morning
- Dizziness
- Nose bleeding (sometimes)
- Chest pain
Prevention – Lifestyle Changes That Work
- Cut down salt – taste food before adding extra salt or cubes
- Eat more fruits and vegetables every day
- Walk or exercise at least 30 minutes most days
- Keep a healthy weight
- Reduce alcohol and stop smoking
- Learn to rest and manage stress
Treatment
Doctors use medicines such as:
- Amlodipine
- Lisinopril
- Losartan
- Hydrochlorothiazide
However, medicine alone is not enough. You must change your lifestyle. Check your blood pressure at least once a month, even if you feel fine.
Useful link: Nigerian Hypertension Society – Guidelines
Quick Comparison Table
| Disease | Caused by | Main Prevention | Common Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaria | Mosquito bite | Sleep under net, clear water | ACT medicines (Coartem) |
| Typhoid | Dirty food/water | Boil water, wash hands | Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin |
| Hypertension | Lifestyle & genes | Less salt, exercise | Amlodipine, Lisinopril |
Final Words
Malaria, typhoid, and hypertension remain big health problems in Nigeria. However, we can reduce them a lot. Simple actions like sleeping under nets, drinking clean water, washing hands, eating less salt, and checking blood pressure regularly make a huge difference. Start today. Protect yourself and your family.
If you notice any symptoms, visit the nearest government hospital or clinic fast. Many treatments are free or very cheap.
Stay healthy, Nigeria!
References
- World Health Organization. (2024). Malaria Fact Sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. (2023). Typhoid Fever Guidelines. https://ncdc.gov.ng/themes/common/files/surveillance/typhoid_fever_guideline.pdf
- Nigerian Hypertension Society. (2022). Management of Hypertension in Nigeria. https://www.nhsvg.org/guidelines
- Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria – National Malaria Strategic Plan 2021-2025
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