Why is chloroquine no longer used for malaria?

Plasmodium falciparum — the parasite behind nearly all Nigerian malaria — developed widespread resistance to chloroquine, so it frequently fails to clear the infection. Nigeria's treatment policy moved to ACTs. Chloroquine still has limited uses for other conditions, but it should not be bought to treat malaria.

Can I treat malaria without doing a test?

It's strongly discouraged. Many fevers in Nigeria are not malaria, and treating blindly wastes money, delays the real diagnosis, and fuels drug resistance. A rapid diagnostic test (RDT) at a pharmacy or clinic takes about 15 minutes. If the test is positive, treat with a full ACT course; if negative, the fever needs a different explanation.

How much does malaria treatment cost in Nigeria?

A full adult course of artemether-lumefantrine typically costs a few thousand naira depending on brand and location — see the live price guide on our artemether-lumefantrine page for current online prices. Injectable artesunate for severe malaria costs more and is given in a health facility. Beware of malaria drugs priced far below the market — counterfeits are common; verify the NAFDAC number before buying.

Malaria: Treatment in Nigeria

Updated July 2026 · Educational information — not a substitute for a doctor or pharmacist

Malaria remains Nigeria's biggest infectious disease burden — the country accounts for around a quarter of the world's malaria cases, and nearly every Nigerian will treat it many times in their life. Almost all malaria here is caused by Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous species, which is why treating it promptly and with the right drug matters.

Nigeria's national treatment policy is clear: uncomplicated malaria is treated with an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), most commonly artemether-lumefantrine. Severe malaria — a medical emergency — is treated in hospital with injectable artesunate. Older drugs like chloroquine are no longer recommended against falciparum malaria because the parasite is widely resistant to them.

Because malaria drugs are among the most counterfeited medicines in Nigeria, where you buy matters as much as what you buy. Always check the pack's NAFDAC number before paying — you can verify any number free with our NAFDAC checker.

Signs & symptoms

Fever, often coming in waves, with chills and shivering
Headache and body/joint aches
Tiredness and weakness
Nausea, vomiting, or poor appetite
Bitter taste in the mouth (commonly reported)
In severe malaria: confusion, convulsions, dark urine, yellow eyes, difficulty breathing, or inability to eat/drink — go to a hospital immediately

Medicines used for malaria in Nigeria

Each medicine links to its full guide — uses, dosage forms, current naira prices, and NAFDAC-registered brands. Diagnosis and dosing belong with a clinician or pharmacist.

Artemether-Lumefantrine₦800–₦9,000

First-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Nigeria (the standard 3-day ACT course; brands include Coartem and Lonart)

Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine₦1,000–₦6,000

Alternative ACT for uncomplicated malaria, taken once daily for 3 days

Artesunate₦500–₦8,000

Injectable treatment for severe malaria, given in a clinic or hospital — not for self-treatment at home

Prescription required

Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine₦150–₦1,200

Preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp), taken at antenatal visits — no longer used to treat active malaria

Paracetamol₦100–₦3,000

Supportive relief of fever and body aches alongside an ACT

Chloroquine₦200–₦1,500

No longer recommended for falciparum malaria in Nigeria due to widespread resistance — listed here so you know what not to buy for treatment

How it's treated

Test before you treat. Fever in Nigeria is not always malaria — typhoid, viral infections, and pneumonia can look similar. A malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) costs little, takes 15 minutes at most pharmacies and clinics, and prevents wasted treatment and masked diagnoses.

For confirmed uncomplicated malaria, a full 3-day course of an ACT such as artemether-lumefantrine is the standard of care. Complete the full course even if you feel better on day two — stopping early is how treatment failure and resistance happen. Paracetamol can be taken alongside for fever and aches.

See a doctor if…

Any fever in a child under 5, or in pregnancy — same day
No improvement after 48 hours on a full ACT course
Signs of severe malaria: confusion, convulsions, repeated vomiting, dark or 'coca-cola' urine, yellow eyes, fast breathing
Fever that returns within two weeks of completing treatment
Before mixing malaria treatment with other regular medicines (e.g. ARVs, TB drugs) — ask a pharmacist or doctor about interactions

Prevention

Sleep under a long-lasting insecticide-treated net (LLIN) — still the single most effective household protection
Pregnant women: attend antenatal care and take SP (IPTp) doses as scheduled
Clear stagnant water around the home; screen windows where possible
In high-transmission season, children in some northern states receive seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) — follow the local programme

Frequently asked questions

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Related conditions

Typhoid Fever Anaemia (Shortage of Blood)

This page is educational information about how malaria is generally managed in Nigeria. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription. Always consult a licensed clinician or pharmacist, and verify any medicine's NAFDAC registration with our free checker before buying.