Popular Nigerian health educator Egemba Chinonso Fidelis, widely known as Aproko Doctor, has warned that malaria remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest diseases, urging Nigerians to take prevention and testing more seriously.
Speaking on World Malaria Day, celebrated on April 25, 2026, Egemba said malaria continues to claim thousands of lives annually despite being preventable and treatable.
He stated that in 2025 alone, malaria was responsible for nearly 200,000 deaths in Nigeria, lamenting that many people still dismiss the illness as “just malaria” and resort to self-medication without proper testing.
According to him, many Nigerians avoid hospitals and instead rely on roadside chemists or prayer, a practice he said has contributed to preventable deaths.
Egemba warned that untreated malaria can progress into severe complications, including cerebral malaria, which affects the brain and may cause confusion, loss of consciousness and other life-threatening symptoms.
He stressed that such cases are often misinterpreted, leading to delays in seeking appropriate medical care.
With the onset of the rainy season, Egemba cautioned that mosquito breeding would increase, particularly around stagnant water, blocked gutters, old tyres and uncovered containers around homes.
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He urged households to eliminate standing water, change stored water frequently and make use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, especially in homes with children.
Egemba advised Nigerians experiencing symptoms such as weakness, headaches or fatigue not to assume malaria without testing, stressing the importance of professional medical consultation.
He said malaria may begin with mild symptoms but can escalate to severe breathing difficulties, organ damage and death if left untreated.
"And, if you feel tired, weak, you have a headache, don't just conclude it's malaria. You're not a doctor. AwaDoc is here for you. Visit awadoc.com/chat and you can speak to a doctor. You can also run a test, so that you don't just go and buy anything for malaria.
"We need to win this war against malaria. Malaria can feel like it's just headache and tiredness but if you don't treat it quickly, it can affect your breathing, your organs and in some cases, it can kill," he said.
World Malaria Day is observed annually to raise awareness about the disease and promote global efforts aimed at prevention, control and eventual elimination.