Empowering Environmental Health Officers for Malaria Control in Nigeria

The over a century old mosquito-malaria theory which posits that malaria is transmitted from human to human through mosquito bites is already an established fact. But the certainty that greeted this discovery is yet to be matched with a breakthrough in malaria eradication. To date, malaria poses one of the greatest challenges to public health, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. For Nigeria, in spite of 15 years Roll Back malaria programme, it remains a risk factor for about 97% of the population, accounting for 25%–40% of all outpatient clinic visits, and between 20% and 50% of all hospital admissions in the country. This paper aimed at examining the environmental determinants and control of malaria, and the role of Environmental Health Officers in the process. Review of relevant literature and historical records were undertaken drawing much from unique experiences in the Unites States in the control of mosquito population through habitat management and the roles of Environmental Health Officers in the process. Results indicate habitat management in which Environmental Health Officers play active roles as the most sustainable malaria control strategy. The paper therefore recommends habitat management for the control of mosquito population and the empowerment of Environmental Health Officers for ensuring citizen participation and compliance with environmental rules and regulations for sustainable malaria control in Nigeria.