Health: How Nearly 1,000 Nigerians Died While Others Battled Killer Epidemics, Diseases In 2024 By Maimuna Katuka Aliyu

As 2025 unfolds, a reflection on Nigeria's health sector in 2024 reveals a year marked by significant trials and commendable progress. From battling deadly epidemics and tropical diseases to advancing vaccine development and grappling with the impact of natural disasters, the sector demonstrated resilience amidst adversity while highlighting the urgent need for systemic reform.

Epidemics and Pandemics

Epidemics, which affect localized areas, and pandemics, with their global spread, remained formidable challenges for Nigerias health system in 2024. While proactive measures prevented more significant casualties, these outbreaks exposed weaknesses in surveillance, response, and healthcare infrastructure.

Monkeypox

Monkeypox emerged as a public health concern, with confirmed cases reported in 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory. A total of 94 cases were recorded, but thankfully, there were no reported fatalities. Public health campaigns emphasizing hygiene and early detection played a crucial role in controlling the spread.

Cholera

Cholera had a devastating impact, claiming 359 lives out of 10,837 suspected cases nationwide. Lagos and Jigawa states were among the hardest hit, reflecting the dire consequences of inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Cholera's toll underscores the urgency of improving water infrastructure and sanitation across the country.

Measles and Yellow Fever

Measles, a highly contagious disease, recorded 8,345 confirmed cases. Concurrently, an outbreak of yellow fever in August resulted in over 200 suspected cases and 30 deaths. Both outbreaks pointed to gaps in immunization coverage, emphasizing the need for strengthened vaccination campaigns.

Lassa Fever and Cerebrospinal Meningitis CSM

Lassa fever remained a significant health threat, with 1,059 confirmed cases and 175 deaths-a grim reminder of the country's ongoing battle with zoonotic diseases. Meanwhile, cerebrospinal meningitis, which has plagued Nigeria for years, continued to pose health risks in certain regions, underscoring the importance of vaccine availability and accessibility.

Tackling Tropical Diseases

Malaria

Malaria continued to exact a heavy toll on Nigeria, with an estimated 30 million cases recorded in 2024. Despite progress in distributing insecticide-treated nets and antimalarial drugs, challenges such as treatment resistance and poor healthcare access persisted, particularly in rural areas.

HIV/AIDS

The fight against HIV/AIDS saw mixed results. While approximately 1.5 million Nigerians received antiretroviral therapy, stigma and discrimination remained significant barriers to care. Efforts to scale up education and awareness campaigns are critical to eliminating these barriers and achieving long-term gains.

Natural Disasters and Health Impacts

Natural disasters in 2024 amplified the country's public health challenges, compounding the vulnerabilities of affected populations.

Flooding

Severe flooding in northeastern Nigeria displaced over 200,000 people, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid. Emergency response measures included the deployment of mobile clinics, distribution of medical supplies, and temporary shelter for displaced families.

Desertification

Desertification exacerbated food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly in northern Nigeria, where agricultural productivity has been significantly affected. Children bore the brunt of this crisis, with many requiring urgent nutritional support. Government and non-governmental interventions provided some relief, but sustainable solutions are necessary to address the root causes of these challenges.

Advancements in Vaccine Development

Despite the numerous challenges faced in 2024, the year also brought hope through advancements in vaccine research and distribution.

COVID-19

Booster campaigns continued across the country, focusing on at-risk populations, including healthcare workers and the elderly. Collaborations with international health organizations ensured the availability of vaccines, preventing a resurgence of the pandemic.

Lassa Fever

Phase 2 clinical trials for a Lassa fever vaccine progressed significantly, raising hopes for a long-term solution to this deadly disease.

Tuberculosis

The M72/AS01E vaccine, developed by global health institutions, entered advanced clinical trials. This breakthrough offers a promising tool to combat tuberculosis, one of the leading causes of death in Nigeria.

Innovative Vaccine Approaches