How To Treat Malaria In Nigeria: A Proper Guide For Every Nigerian

Ah, malaria—our most unwanted visitor in Nigeria. It doesn’t knock before entering, it doesn’t need an invitation, and it surely doesn’t care whether you’re rich, poor, student, or oga at the top. Once those tiny mosquitoes get a chance to land on your skin, it’s game over—fever, chills, body ache, and that wahala that makes your bed feel like both heaven and prison at the same time.

Let’s talk about how to deal with malaria, like really talk about it, Nigerian style. No sugar-coating, no over-medical grammar—just a simple, engaging, and humorous guide that feels like gist between you and that friend who always knows what to do when malaria strikes.

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First Things First: What Is Malaria?

Before we go into battle strategies, we need to understand the enemy. Malaria is caused by parasites (mainly Plasmodium falciparum in Nigeria) transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Yep, it’s the female ones doing the damage—no comment.

It’s one of the leading causes of illness in Nigeria, especially during the rainy season. But thanks to modern medicine and local know-how, malaria doesn’t have to keep us down for long.

Spot the Signs: Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Okay, we get it—you don’t feel well. But how do you know it’s malaria and not just stress from Lagos traffic or the wahala of NEPA taking light again?

Here are the usual suspects:

High fever (suddenly you become hot like Lagos sun at 1pm)
Headache (feels like someone is drumming inside your skull)
Chills and shivering (blanket won’t even help you here)
Body pain and fatigue (even lifting your spoon is work)
Nausea and vomiting
Sweating like you’re in a sauna
Loss of appetite
In severe cases, confusion or even convulsions (especially in children)

Once you start experiencing two or more of these, it’s time to act. Don’t assume it will “go by itself”—this isn’t WhatsApp status.

Step 1: Confirm It’s Malaria – Test, Don’t Guess

In Nigeria, we like to self-diagnose. Let’s be honest. How many times have you heard (or said), “Ah, this one na malaria jare”?

But please, don’t assume. Malaria symptoms are similar to typhoid, COVID-19, even regular flu. That’s why testing is key.

Go to a lab or pharmacy and do a simple Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) or blood smear. Some pharmacies even do it for free or for a small fee. It’s fast, accurate, and saves you from treating the wrong illness.

Step 2: Choose the Right Treatment – Not Every Drug Is Your Friend

Once you’ve confirmed malaria, it’s time to fight back. But not with guesswork.

The gold standard treatment for malaria in Nigeria is ACT – Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy. Don’t let the fancy name scare you. Just go to a reputable pharmacy and ask for an ACT medicine.

Some common ACTs in Nigeria include:

Coartem
Lonart
P-Alaxin
Amatem Softgel
Artemether-Lumefantrine combos

Take the full dosage exactly as prescribed, even if you start feeling better after day one. Malaria is a sneaky enemy—it can come back with revenge if you don’t finish the battle.

Also, don’t take Chloroquine—yes, it used to work once upon a time, but now it’s like using a Nokia 3310 to browse TikTok. The malaria parasite has outsmarted it.

Step 3: Support Your Recovery – Rest, Hydrate, Eat

Treatment doesn’t stop at medicine. You need to help your body heal.

Rest: Cancel that owambe. Your bed is your best friend right now.
Hydrate: Drink water like your life depends on it—because it actually does.
Eat well: Even if you don’t feel like eating, try soups, fruits, or pap. Your body needs energy to fight.
Vitamin boost: Take Vitamin C or multivitamins to help your immune system recover faster.

Don’t be a warrior and try to go about your day like nothing is happening. Even superheroes rest sometimes. Take 2-3 days minimum off to bounce back well.

Step 4: Prevent It From Happening Again – Because Prevention Is Cheaper Than Cure

You’ve treated it. Good job. Now let’s make sure it doesn’t return like an unwanted ex.

a. Sleep Under a Mosquito Net

This one sounds like something only our grandparents do, right? But it works! Invest in a long-lasting insecticidal net. They’re cheap and available at pharmacies or health centers.

b. Use Mosquito Repellents and Sprays

Mosquitoes are stubborn, but they hate repellents. Use insecticide sprays (like Raid or Baygon), coils, and creams especially in the evenings.

c. Get Rid of Breeding Grounds

Don’t let water stay around your house. Buckets, gutters, old tyres—all these are breeding homes for mosquitoes. If you can’t drain them, at least cover them.

d. Wear Long Sleeves at Night

We know Nigeria is hot, but if you live in a mosquito-heavy area, wearing light long sleeves in the evenings can protect you. It’s not fashion—it’s survival.

What About Children and Pregnant Women?

Special category alert! Children under five and pregnant women are most vulnerable.

For kids, always see a doctor before starting treatment. Their dosage is different and they need close monitoring.
Pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, should only take malaria drugs under medical supervision. Some drugs aren’t safe for the baby.

And please, avoid herbal mixtures from “mama Chinedu’s backyard.” We know they mean well, but malaria needs precise treatment.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Sometimes, malaria decides to be extra. If you or someone around you is experiencing the following, go to the hospital without delay:

Vomiting everything you eat or drink
Severe dehydration
Difficulty breathing
Seizures or unconsciousness
High fever that won’t go down with medication

Don’t try to be brave. Malaria kills if left untreated.

Real Talk: Why Do People Still Die of Malaria in Nigeria?

With all the knowledge and medicine available, it’s sad that people still die of malaria in Nigeria. But let’s be honest—many of us:

Delay treatment thinking it’s “just small fever”
Use the wrong drugs
Don’t finish the medication
Don’t test before treating
Trust herbal concoctions over tested medicine

Knowledge is power, but only if you use it. Let’s do better for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Conclusion

Malaria may be a big deal in Nigeria, but it doesn’t have to control our lives. With early testing, proper treatment, rest, and good prevention habits, you can bounce back stronger every time it tries to strike.

This isn’t just another medical advice post—it’s a friendly reminder from someone who has had malaria more times than they care to admit. So take this guide seriously, share it with friends and family, and stay safe.

Because in Nigeria, surviving malaria isn’t just about medicine—it’s about being smart, aware, and prepared.