The Federal Government has described malaria as not only a health crisis but also an economic and developmental emergency requiring urgent elimination efforts, noting that malaria costs Nigeria over $1.1 billion annually in lost GDP.
This was highlighted 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) in Abuja.
In a statement signed by Mr. Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director, Information & Public Relations, Prof. Pate emphasised the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating malaria, which he described as a “wicked problem” that continues to undermine the nation’s health and economic growth.
Prof. Pate shared alarming statistics, noting that Nigeria accounts for 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of global malaria deaths, with over 180,000 Nigerian children under-five dying from the disease in 2022.
“This is not just a health crisis; it is an economic and developmental emergency,” he stated, adding that malaria costs Nigeria over $1.1 billion annually in lost GDP due to reduced productivity, increased healthcare expenses, and the exacerbation of poverty.
The minister highlighted that malaria elimination is integral to the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and aligns with the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He referenced the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2021-2025, which aims to: reduce malaria prevalence to below 10%; halve malaria-related mortality to fewer than 50 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Prof. Pate called for active participation from traditional and religious leaders to drive behavioral changes at the grassroots.
He stressed the importance of promoting the use of insecticide-treated nets, chemoprevention, and the deployment of malaria vaccines as part of the strategy to eliminate the disease.
The AMEN advisory body, chaired by globally renowned expert, Prof. Rose Leke, is tasked with advancing evidence-based solutions and creating accountability frameworks to ensure sustained progress.
Its focus includes: addressing current challenges through practical solutions; advocating malaria elimination to be prioritised in government budgets and plans; and ensuring accountability across all stakeholders.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, affirmed that eliminating malaria requires collaboration with the private sector, international partners, healthcare workers, and communities.
“For us to succeed, we must harness and coordinate the efforts of all stakeholders,” Dr. Salako emphasised.
Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, represented by Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, Director of the Public Health Department, noted that the current administration’s renewed focus has reinvigorated the fight against malaria.
The meeting signals a bold step toward a malaria-free Nigeria, reinforcing the government’s resolve to tackle one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges.
(Independent.ng)
