A medical parasitologist has warned that untreated malaria continues to be a major cause of miscarriage and pregnancy-related complications in Nigeria.
Prof. Wellington Oyibo, a consultant at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, gave the warning during an interview in Lagos on Friday, urging expectant mothers to adopt preventive measures such as sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, registering early for antenatal care, and undergoing prompt diagnostic testing.
He, however, noted that malaria during pregnancy can pose serious dangers to both mother and child, especially in the early stages of pregnancy.
According to him, infections caused by Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and low birth weight due to damage to the placenta.
He explained that when the parasite affects the placenta, it can trigger anaemia in the mother and disrupt the supply of nutrients to the foetus, thereby affecting development.
The parasitologist also said severe cases could lead to cerebral malaria if the parasite reaches the brain.
He stressed the importance of early antenatal registration, saying it allows pregnant women access to preventive care not only for malaria but also for other health risks associated with pregnancy.
Oyibo added that government programmes already support malaria prevention, including the distribution of insecticide-treated nets through health facilities, but emphasised that awareness and personal responsibility remain critical.
He encouraged women to take malaria prevention seriously, understand how the disease is transmitted, and adopt basic protective measures such as the consistent use of mosquito nets and proper testing before taking antimalarial drugs.
He concluded by calling for stronger public awareness and routine testing to reduce preventable pregnancy complications linked to malaria.