Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) prophylaxis and use of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated nets (LLINs)
are the main interventions recommended by WHO to reduce malaria risks during pregnancy. To assess
the degree of coverage against malaria is afforded by treated mosquito net alone or combined with
sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine among currently pregnant women (cpw) in Nigeria. A population-based
cross-sectional household survey conducted in Nigeria in 2007 evaluated single and combined
intervention among cpw. Total number of cpw in all the surveyed households was 295 among of which
33% slept under any net and 27% under LLIN. Only 6% took IPT1 and 3% took IPT2. Of those who took
IPT1, 47% slept under any net and of those who took IPT1 and IPT2, 33% slept under mosquito net. Cpw
in South of Nigeria were twice more likely to sleep under treated nets than their northern counterpart
and cpw who slept under treated nets were 4 times more likely to take IPT1 or IPT1 and 2. Combination
intervention (CI) of IPT and LLIN use in pregnancy, though desirable, is still low in Nigeria. Aggressive
approach to CI and health literacy among women is needed to diminish malaria-attributed maternal
morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Malaria control programs should explore the possibility of pregnant
women taking SP at home under supervision of Role Model Caregivers.