Nigeria Bears 27% Of Global Malaria Burden, UNICROSS

Nigeria accounts for 27 percent of the global malaria burden, with approximately 97 percent of the country’s population at risk of infection, a University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) researcher, Prof. George Iniodu, has revealed. The professor said the alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for innovative research and interventions to combat one of Nigeria’s most pressing public health challenges.

Key Highlights

• Nigeria accounts for 27% of the global malaria burden
• About 97% of Nigerians are at risk of malaria infection
• UNICROSS researcher secures TETFund National Research Fund grant
• Research aims to develop innovative solutions to disrupt malaria transmission
• Project expected to improve public health and stimulate economic growth
• UNICROSS Vice-Chancellor commends researchers for winning national grants

Prof. Iniodu, of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, made the disclosure after emerging as one of three UNICROSS academics who secured funding under the latest Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF) cycle.

He is serving as the Principal Investigator on Project 66 alongside Professor Emmanuel Uttah, while Engr. Prof. Joseph Onah Ukpata of the Department of Civil Engineering is a Co-Researcher on Project 107.

Speaking during the presentation of the successful research teams at UNICROSS, Prof. Iniodu described the grant as a significant opportunity to contribute practical solutions to one of Nigeria’s deadliest tropical diseases.

“My research is of public health concern, so it will benefit everyone. It is addressing one of the most devastating tropical diseases, malaria,” he said.

According to the researcher, developing an innovation capable of disrupting the transmission cycle of malaria would deliver enormous health benefits not only to Cross River State but also to Nigeria and other malaria-endemic countries across the tropics.

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He added that beyond improving public health outcomes, the research is expected to stimulate economic activities by creating a value chain capable of generating employment and supporting local economies.

Reacting to the achievement, the Vice-Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, described the researchers’ success as evidence of the university’s growing reputation in quality research and innovation.

She urged the beneficiaries to ensure that the TETFund-sponsored projects produce practical and sustainable solutions to national development challenges.

“I assure you of management’s continuous support for research, innovation and staff development, which is one of the reasons we create an enabling environment for scholars to compete successfully for national and international research grants,” she said.

The TETFund National Research Fund (NRF) supports research initiatives focused on addressing critical national challenges in areas such as public health, environmental sustainability, infrastructure development, agriculture and technology.