A study published in Malaria Journal in 2026, involving Cauane Blumenberg of the International Center for Equity in Health (ICEH), has found that 75% of pregnant women in Nigeria who attended the minimum recommended number of antenatal appointments did not receive adequate preventive treatment for malaria.

Based on nationally representative data from 2018, the analysis highlights gaps in the delivery of care during antenatal services and reveals socioeconomic inequalities that undermine maternal and newborn health in the country. Women with lower levels of education, those from poorer households, and those living in rural areas were significantly more likely to miss out on appropriate treatment.

Beyond the scientific publication, the article was also featured by MalariaWorld where it was shared with a global network of more than 11,000 malaria professionals. 

The findings are currently being discussed with Nigeria’s National Malaria Control Programme, with the potential to inform policies and programmatic strategies aimed at improving equitable access to malaria prevention services.

The study reinforces the importance of translating scientific evidence into concrete actions to reduce health inequalities and strengthen public health policies.

Article available at: Malaria Journal