Kaduna communities struggle against rising malaria cases as poor sanitation goes unchecked

In this report, Aliyu Mansir writes on the devastating impact of the malaria crisis plaguing communities in Kaduna South and Jaba Local Government Areas, Kaduna State highlighting the need for sustainable solutions to curb the disease.

Habiba Muhammad woke up to the unsettling sound of water sloshing under her bed. A heavy downpour had flooded her community, and the flood water was now creeping into her small home in Kaduna South. It pooled in corners, creating perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

A few nights after, her eight-year-old granddaughter became feverish and was struggling to breathe as severe malaria took hold of her. With no money for medicine and the nearest hospital miles away, all Habiba could do was hope and pray.

In rural communities across Kaduna State, stories like Habiba’s are tragically common. Visits to Kaduna South and Jaba Local Government Areas (LGAs) by SolaceBase uncovered a relentless malaria crisis. Families are not only losing loved ones but also spending beyond their means and trapped in a cycle of despair.

Stagnant water from poor drainage systems, inadequate medical resources, and minimal government intervention have turned this preventable disease into a death sentence for far too many.

Unchecked malaria crisis and the price of poor sanitation

Malaria remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest health threats, responsible for an estimated 68 million cases and 194,000 deaths in 2021 alone. Kaduna State is at the heart of this national crisis, with its malaria prevalence rates amongst children far above the national average of 22 percent.

As of 2021, the prevalence rate among children aged 6 to 59 months was reported to be between 500 and 1000 cases per 1,000 population in some parts of Kaduna State.

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As the disease continues to grow unchecked, the cost of poor sanitation continues to increase across rural communities in the state. In Tudun Wada, Kaduna South LGA, the lack of proper waste disposal and sanitation compounds the malaria crisis.

When SolaceBase visited the area in September 2024, stagnant pools of water and blocked waterways were widespread, providing ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

These environmental hazards are not only an inconvenience but a direct contributor to the unrelenting spread of malaria.

For residents like Hafsat Yusuf, the impact of these conditions has been devastating. Having recently lost her six-month-old grandson to malaria, Hafsat is one of many who feel abandoned and decry the poor enforcement of sanitary standards.

“Almost every household here has a malaria patient,” she explains, gesturing toward the clogged drains nearby. “People throw waste into waterways, which blocks drainage, and the water becomes stagnant. It’s as if we are inviting malaria to spread.”

Yet, even in her grief, Hafsat recognizes that community action is part of the solution. “It’s hard to keep clean when everyone is struggling, but if we don’t, this disease will keep killing our children,” she says, her voice a mix of frustration and resolve.

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Choosing between medicine and food

The economic toll of malaria in Kaduna is staggering. For many families, the cost of medicine is out of reach, forcing them to make unhealthy and harmful choices. Usman Alkali, the district head’s secretary in Tudun Wada, has been battling malaria himself for weeks. Weak and exhausted, he struggles to keep up with his duties.

“I barely have the strength to work,” he says. “Floodwater invades our homes whenever it rains, mosquitoes are everywhere, and this fever just won’t let go.”

For Usman and others like him, the cost of treatment adds to their struggles. In many cases, even basic malaria medications are unaffordable, leaving families to make heartbreaking decisions about how to allocate their limited resources.

“Some days, I have to choose whether to buy medicine for myself or food for my family,” he says.

“It’s not an easy decision, and often I just have to endure the fever.”

The situation is particularly dire for families with young children, who are more vulnerable to the disease. Mata Adamu, who recently lost her three-year-old nephew to malaria in Jaba LGA, described how economic hardship pushed her family to rely on herbal remedies.

“Malaria drugs were once free, but now we have to buy them. We couldn’t afford the full treatment, so we turned to herbal medicine,” she said.

The financial strain has taken a toll on Mata’s livelihood, as she was forced to dip into her business capital to afford partial treatment for herself and her nephew. A cross-section of residents interviewed by SolaceBase said the struggle is even worse for those without savings or access to alternative income. Many families cannot afford to complete prescribed treatments, increasing the risk of severe complications or resistance to common malaria medications.

“This disease drains us,” Mata added. “It’s not just our health, it’s our ability to survive.”

Overwhelmed healthcare and community efforts

For those who can afford medical care, resources are often stretched thin. In Tudun Wada community, Kaduna South, community health worker Kamal Bello sees over 300 malaria patients a week at his local chemist shop. He provides free or discounted medicine when he can, knowing that most families cannot afford hospital care. “People come to me because they can’t afford hospital fees,” Kamal says. “It breaks my heart to see so many suffer because of poverty.”

Even the well-meaning distribution of mosquito nets has been fraught with challenges. Many residents either don’t use the nets correctly or sell them off to make ends meet.

“Without proper education and infrastructure, this crisis will only get worse,” Kamal warns.

Residents turn to traditional remedies

Residents especially those in rural areas turn to traditional herbal remedies due to acute economic hardship. For instance, in Jaba LGA, Mata said most families rely on herbal medicine due to the high cost of prescribed drugs.

The reliance on herbal treatments reflects the desperation of many families in Jaba and beyond. Residents point out that the high cost of malaria medication, combined with the scarcity of free or subsidized drugs, leaves them with few options.

Sunday Danbaki, a resident in the Nkumchem area in Jaba, shared a similar view. He emphasized that government interventions has been insufficient to address the crisis.

“We need more medication, not just mosquito nets,” he says. “People continue to die because they can’t afford treatment, and there are stagnant waters everywhere. This disease doesn’t give us a break.”

The prevalence of malaria in the region, coupled with limited access to proper healthcare, has led to an overreliance on traditional remedies, despite their questionable efficacy.

According to Danbaki while mosquito nets can reduce exposure, they do little to address the immediate needs of those already sick. For many families, herbal remedies serve as a stopgap measure, a last resort due to financial hardship and the absence of better alternatives.

Community leaders and NGOs step in

Attempts by community leaders and NGOs to address the malaria crisis in Kaduna State are commendable but have yet to achieve the sweeping impact that residents desperately need.

In Jaba LGA, traditional rulers like Makama Shehu have taken matters into their own hands, organizing local campaigns to clear drainage systems and distribute mosquito nets.

“Our people are suffering,” Makama Shehu says. “Malaria has killed too many children, and we can’t wait for the government to do everything. We are trying our best.”

These efforts, while meaningful, are often hindered by a lack of resources and sustained support. According to Shehu, community leaders can only do so much in the face of a public health crisis of this scale. Even with mosquito net distribution and environmental clean-up initiatives, the overwhelming prevalence of stagnant water and poor sanitation continues to fuel the spread of malaria.

For families already trapped in poverty, these efforts feel like a drop in the ocean.

Non-governmental organizations have also stepped in to fill the void left by insufficient government action. Qafitatul Mahabba, a humanitarian NGO, has mobilized outreach programs in high-risk areas like Tudun Wada. During a recent campaign, nearly all attendees tested positive for malaria, underscoring the depth of the crisis.

“The economic hardship is so severe that people simply can’t afford treatment,” explains Nasiru Abdallah, the state coordinator for the NGO.

“We provide free medicine and educate people on keeping their environment clean to reduce mosquito breeding. Tudun Wada is a community with many people who can’t afford malaria medication. We try to help as much as we can, but we’re only scratching the surface. What’s needed is systemic change.”

State Govt react to findings

Experts and community leaders agree that the fight against malaria in Kaduna requires not only immediate interventions but also long-term structural solutions. Dr. Danga Emmanuel is the head of the Malaria Elimination Programme in Kaduna. Danga who spoke in an interview with SolaceBase on behalf of the Commissioner for Health stressed the importance of a multi-pronged approach to addressing the scourge of malaria in affected communities.

Dr. Danga points out that while government efforts have led to some improvements, they fall short without active community participation and proper infrastructure.

“Traditional rulers, health workers, and NGOs are doing what they can, but without structural support, the cycle of malaria will continue,” he warns.

He also emphasized that until sustainable, government-backed solutions are implemented Kaduna’s malaria crisis will remain a recurring tragedy. The solutions range from improved sanitation infrastructure to consistent healthcare support.

“Without coordinated efforts the people of Kaduna will be left to battle this crisis largely on their own, enduring a cycle of illness and loss that shows no sign of abating.”

Furthermore, he acknowledged that the state government is concerned about the malaria crisis and making conscious efforts to address it.

“We’re distributing free malaria medication and treatment equipment to all our Primary Healthcare Centres. According to the National Demographic Health Survey, malaria prevalence was 33 percent nationwide in 2018, but by 2021, it had decreased to 16 percent,” he said.

Dr. Dange added that malaria is often more severe in areas with stagnant water, such as rice-farming communities, and confirmed that mosquito nets are being distributed.

When asked about the flooded areas in Kaduna South where malaria cases are also high, he said, “Last week, we met with the Ministry of Environment to form a subcommittee on malaria. We’re creating awareness about protecting against mosquito bites and keeping surroundings clean. But people also need to help by cleaning their environment and using mosquito nets. We can’t eliminate mosquitoes completely, but we can protect ourselves.”

Experts speak

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge, but experts emphasize that prevention, timely treatment, and community awareness can make a difference.

Dr. Usman Bashir, Consultant Public Health Physician at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) and Lecturer at Bayero University Kano highlighted that environmental cleanliness is a cornerstone of malaria prevention. He stressed the need to eliminate stagnant water, clear bushes, and maintain proper drainage to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

“People should prioritize keeping their surroundings clean to minimize mosquito habitats,” he advised. 

He also emphasized the importance of using insecticide-treated nets for protection during sleep and urged individuals to seek immediate medical attention when symptoms such as fever appear.

“Whenever someone feels unwell or has a fever, they should visit a hospital for a blood test instead of self-medicating. Taking drugs without proper diagnosis can lead to complications,” Dr. Bashir explained. 

He cautioned against the use of mosquito coils in sleeping areas, stating that the smoke can be harmful to health. He recommended using them before sleeping and ensuring adequate ventilation by opening windows to let out the smoke. He further noted, “Prompt medical attention is vital. People should consult a doctor as soon as they notice changes in their health to avoid severe complications and weakness.” 

Also, another medical doctor with Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) Dr. Aminu Bala provided more insights into the nature of malaria. He explained that symptoms range from mild, such as fever, chills, and headaches, to severe, including high fever, seizures, and breathing difficulties. 

He elaborated on preventive measures, advocating for the consistent use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, wearing long-sleeved clothing in the evenings, and applying insecticides to mosquito breeding areas.

Dr. Bala also emphasized the importance of community-wide efforts, such as clearing bushes and maintaining clean environments.

“Effective malaria control requires a collective approach, including the active involvement of communities in eliminating breeding grounds and adopting preventive practices,” he said. 

In addressing treatment options, Dr. Bala strongly discouraged the use of unverified herbal remedies.

 “Traditional medicine poses significant risks when not scientifically validated. People should rely on proven treatments and seek professional medical care,” he warned.

He also highlighted the role of pregnant women in malaria prevention, recommending prophylactic medications to protect both mother and child. 

Both experts agreed that malaria eradication demands coordinated action from individuals, communities, and governments.  Additionally, they highlighted the role of government in prioritizing malaria eradication through policies, funding, and mass distribution of mosquito nets and subsidized medications.

They both emphasized that community engagement is vital. Local leaders and organizations can encourage environmental hygiene, proper drainage, and the use of preventive measures.

“By combining individual actions with institutional support, malaria’s burden can be significantly reduced, paving the way for its eventual eradication,” Dr. Bala said.

This SolaceBase publication is produced with support from the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under the collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusion and Accountability Project (CMEDIA) funded by the MacArthur Foundation.