As the world marks World Malaria Day 2026 today, residents across several states have decried the rising cost of malaria treatment and the prevalence of the disease, describing it as a deepening financial and public health burden on households. From Birnin Kebbi to Kano, Bayelsa, Makurdi, findings show that while malaria remains one of the most common illnesses, the cost of managing it continues to strain families, particularly low-income earners already grappling with broader economic pressures. Across the affected communities, interviews with residents, health workers and government officials point to a troubling convergence of factors; frequent infections, expensive drugs, limited access to subsidised care and reliance on out-of-pocket spending, that are sustaining the disease’s grip on households.
Kebbi residents groan under treatment costs In Kebbi State, residents lamented the frequency of infections and the rising cost of drugs and hospital care. Andrew Umudeh, a resident of Birnin Kebbi, said malaria has taken a heavy toll on his family’s finances. Unemployment: Skills deficit, degree bias worsen crisis Renewed Hope: Slogan, policy or campaign?
“The malaria thing is a serious matter for me and my family. Three of my family members were treated for malaria at a private hospital here. I had earlier taken them to a public hospital but after some days they were still not feeling better, so I had to take them to a private hospital where I paid over N100,000 for their treatment,” he said.
A mechanic, Dauda Adamu, shared a similar experience, explaining that he recently recovered after spending heavily on treatment. “I just recovered from malaria. Few days ago, I was admitted at the hospital after I had spent a lot buying malaria drugs but didn’t get better.
I had to be admitted at the hospital. I had earlier treated my first child for malaria. My prayer is that none of my family members should fall sick again because the treatment is expensive.
We now sleep in treated mosquito nets hoping nobody will be taken to any hospital for malaria treatment again,” he said. A staff member of the State Primary Healthcare Management Agency, Umar Alkali, confirmed a surge in cases in recent months, particularly in Birnin Kebbi. “Most of the cases being treated at the hospitals are malaria-related.
The state government and partners are currently distributing over three million insecticide-treated mosquito nets to members of the public to reduce the high rate of malaria in the state,” he said. Another resident, Abdullahi Augie, a civil servant, said the cost of treatment has become increasingly unaffordable. “I don’t think there is any effective malaria drug that’s less than N3,000 if you have to resort to self-medication,” he said.
“But going to the hospital,” he added, “is something not many people can afford. My two sons are currently being treated for malaria. The first day I took them to the hospital I spent over N27,000.
I don’t know how much we will be charged when they are discharged tomorrow.” Kano residents face ‘double losses’ In Kano, residents echoed similar concerns, noting that beyond the disease itself, the cost of treatment has become the major challenge. Findings indicate that treating uncomplicated malaria at government hospitals and primary healthcare centres now involves consultation fees ranging between N1,000 and N5,000, laboratory tests costing between N1,000 and N3,500, and drugs priced from N2,000 to N8,000. Altogether, families often spend between N4,000 and N16,000 on routine cases.
At private facilities, costs are significantly higher, with consultation fees ranging from N3,000 to N15,000, tests between N2,000 and N6,000, and drugs, injections and fluids rising to N25,000 or more. In many cases, total expenses climb to between N10,000 and N45,000. Severe malaria cases involving complications such as vomiting, seizures, anaemia or dehydration can cost between N30,000 and over N200,000 due to hospital admission, intravenous medication and prolonged care.
In Kofar Ruwa quarters, a mother of four, Zahra’u Dahiru, said treatment has become increasingly difficult. “Before, once a child had fever, you could quickly buy drugs and treat it. Now you need money for tests, consultation and medicine.
If two children fall sick together, it becomes a serious problem,” she said. A commercial tricycle rider in Dorayi, Ibrahim Musa, described malaria as a “double loss.” “When I am sick, I cannot work. If I don’t work, there is no money that day.
Then I still have to spend money on treatment,” he said. Residents say these pressures often push them towards self-medication and patronage of chemists and patent medicine stores. Hajara Sule, a resident of Sabon Titi, cited long waiting hours at hospitals as a deterrent.
“If you go to hospital, you may spend the whole day. Some people just go to the chemist, explain symptoms and buy drugs,” she said. However, medical experts warn against such practices. A Kano-ba