Dawn Zuokumor
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating malaria in Nigeria, describing the disease as a significant health, economic, and developmental emergency.
This declaration was made by Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, during the inaugural meeting of the Advisory on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (AMEN) held in Abuja.
Prof. Pate highlighted malaria’s devastating impact, noting that Nigeria bears 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of malaria-related deaths. “In 2022, over 180,000 Nigerian children under the age of five lost their lives to malaria—a tragedy we have the tools to prevent,” he said.
He further emphasized the disease’s economic toll, revealing that Nigeria loses over $1.1 billion annually in GDP due to malaria.
“This is not just a health crisis; it is an economic and developmental emergency,” he stated.
A Bold Step Towards Elimination
The launch of AMEN marks a pivotal step in addressing this pressing issue. Comprising globally renowned experts led by Prof. Rose Leke, the advisory body will develop evidence-based strategies to combat malaria.
AMEN’s mandate includes ensuring malaria elimination is a priority in government budgets and plans, and establishing accountability frameworks for sustained progress.
Prof. Pate stressed that malaria elimination is a cornerstone of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.
The National Malaria Strategic Plan 2021-2025 outlines key goals, such as reducing malaria prevalence to below 10% and halving malaria-related mortality to 50 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Grassroots Engagement and Advocacy
The Coordinating Minister called for the involvement of traditional and religious leaders to drive grassroots support and behavior change. Advocacy efforts will focus on promoting the use of insecticide-treated nets, chemoprevention, and vaccines to curb the disease.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated approach involving the private sector, international partners, healthcare workers, and communities. “For us to succeed, all stakeholders must be harnessed and aligned,” Dr. Salako said.
In her welcome address, Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, represented by Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, applauded the administration’s renewed commitment to malaria elimination. This effort, she noted, has breathed new life into combating a disease that has long undermined Nigeria’s health and economic growth.
Path to a Malaria-Free Nigeria
AMEN’s focus on advancing solutions, prioritizing malaria in government planning, and promoting accountability underscores Nigeria’s determination to eliminate the disease.
With robust national strategies and the engagement of key stakeholders, the Federal Government aims to transform malaria from a persistent burden to a thing of the past.