Malaria: Drug resistance, new mosquito species put Nigeria on alert

By Chioma Obinna

Nigeria’s fight against malaria may be entering a more dangerous phase as scientists reveal a new urban mosquito species and rising drug and insecticide resistance could reverse years of progress if surveillance and control strategies are not urgently strengthened.

The Director of Research and Head of the Malaria Research Group at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, Dr. Adeola Olukosi, shared these findings in her presentation on molecular epidemiology research on drug-resistant malaria.

“Malaria is no longer behaving the way we used to know it. The parasite is evolving, the mosquito is adapting, and our response must evolve faster,” Olukosi said.

Urban threat looms

Her team confirmed the presence of Anopheles stephensi, a mosquito species that thrives in urban environments, breeds in man-made water containers, survives extreme heat, and carries genetic resistance to multiple insecticides.

“If we ignore this mosquito, malaria will no longer be a rural problem alone. Cities across Nigeria could become hotspots overnight,” Olukosi warned.

The mosquito was first confirmed in Gombe State samples, and its urban adaptability signals a potential shift in malaria transmission patterns nationwide.

Drug resistance: A silent danger

Olukosi explained that molecular surveillance now guides policy and treatment. Her team’s Therapeutic Efficacy Studies (TES) in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) led to the inclusion of dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine (DHQ) in treatment guidelines.

“That was science driving policy. By determining whether treatment failures are due to reinfection or true drug resistance, we can guide effective interventions,” she said.

Studies across Ebonyi, Osun, and Kwara States confirmed that resistance markers to sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine and amodiaquine remain low, ensuring continued effectiveness of preventive programs for children and pregnant women.

“Our data ensures that chemoprevention remains effective, protecting the most vulnerable populations,” Olukosi added.

Nets under pressure

Entomological monitoring shows that mosquitoes are developing widespread pyrethroid resistance, driven by genetic mutation and metabolic adaptation.

“Resistance is real, widespread, and mechanistically complex. Nets alone are no longer enough; surveillance and strategy must lead our fight,” she said.

Shaping global malaria science

NIMR is part of MalariaGEN, the world’s largest malaria genomic network, analyzing over 33,000 parasite samples from 122 locations spanning 50 years.

“Nigeria is not just a consumer of malaria research; we are shaping global understanding of drug-resistant parasites and vector evolution,” Olukosi said.

Olukosi warned that urban malaria, drug resistance, and evolving mosquitoes are urgent national threats.

“Malaria keeps children out of school, drains household income, and weakens productivity. Every resistant parasite, every new mosquito species, is a threat to national development. Nigeria cannot afford complacency,” she said.

Her December 16 presentation will showcase new surveillance strategies, molecular insights into drug resistance, and the urgent need to integrate urban malaria threats into national control programmes.

“Malaria is evolving. Our science is evolving. Nigeria must evolve with it, or risk losing the gains of decades of effort,” she concluded.

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