THE EFFECT OF MALARIA RESEARCH FUNDING GAP IN BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with the country bearing one of the highest global burdens of the disease. Borno State, located in northeastern Nigeria, faces particularly severe transmission due to factors such as conflict, displacement, limited healthcare infrastructure, and competing priorities, contributing to persistently high morbidity and mortality rates. This study investigates the significant funding gap for malaria research in Borno State, which severely restricts the capacity to generate evidence-based solutions for effective control and eventual elimination of the disease. Through a mixed-methods approach—including comprehensive literature review, key informant interviews with researchers, health officials, funding agencies, and community stakeholders, as well as analysis of funding data from national and international sources—the research assesses the current funding landscape, identifies key challenges and unmet needs, and evaluates the impact on malaria research activities. Findings reveal limited published research in Borno State, primarily focused on epidemiology, vector control, drug resistance, and clinical management, with much work remaining unpublished or confined to grey literature. Funding for malaria research is inconsistent and inadequate, predominantly sourced from the Nigerian government (via the National Malaria Elimination Programme), international organizations (WHO, Global Fund, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), and NGOs. Major gaps exist in critical areas such as drug resistance monitoring, vector control innovation, improved diagnostics, social determinants of health, and health systems strengthening. The funding shortfall results in constrained research infrastructure, limited human resource capacity, reduced innovation in developing and testing new interventions, suboptimal implementation of existing tools (e.g., insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and artemisinin-based therapies), and challenges in addressing emerging threats like resistance. Stakeholder perspectives underscore frustration over limited grants, equipment shortages, and barriers to international collaboration. The study concludes that closing the malaria research funding gap in Borno State is essential to enhance local research capacity, foster innovation, improve intervention effectiveness, and accelerate progress toward malaria control and elimination goals. Recommendations include advocating for increased and diversified funding, investing in infrastructure and capacity building, prioritizing high-impact research areas, promoting transparency in resource allocation, and strengthening multi-stakeholder partnerships involving policymakers, funders, researchers, and communities.