The World Health Organization (WHO) and various stakeholders have urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to diminish reliance on external funding and enhance data availability for the purpose of malaria elimination in the country.
This appeal was articulated during a stakeholders’ engagement event held on Friday, focused on “Rethinking Malaria Elimination.” The initiative aimed to redefine strategies in combating malaria within Nigeria.
Malaria, a severe disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, is a recurring and widespread issue across Nigeria.
According to the World Health Organization, in 2022 alone, Nigeria accounted for nearly 67 million cases, representing 27 percent of the global malaria burden.
Additionally, Nigeria contributed to 31 percent of global deaths and 38 percent of deaths among children under the age of five in the same year.
At the event in Abuja, stakeholders proposed innovative approaches to tackling malaria.
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They urged the government to intensify efforts towards malaria elimination by increasing annual funding allocations to the malaria elimination program.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, expressed the organization’s support for Nigeria’s ambitious plan to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination.
Moeti emphasized the necessity of enhancing data availability and access at both national and sub-national levels for effective intervention.
Dr. Soji Adeyi, a Senior Associate at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, emphasized the need for Nigeria to gradually reduce its reliance on external funding for malaria elimination, proposing new funding approaches to address the recurring funding challenges.
Furthermore, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, the National Coordinator of the unlocking healthcare value-chain initiative, advocated for local production and manufacturing of medical supplies to reduce the country’s dependence on drug imports.
He highlighted that local production would align with Nigeria’s unique terrain, population, and malaria burden, ultimately improving access to effective treatment.
Acknowledging the ongoing efforts, Prof. Mohammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, stressed the need for additional measures to combat malaria effectively.
He outlined the government’s strategy, including deploying available, safe, and effective tools, such as nets, testing, and treatment, alongside providing affordable antimalarial drugs.
Additionally, the government plans to leverage political, traditional, and private sector leaders in remote areas to intensify the fight against malaria.
Prof. Pate emphasized the importance of a comprehensive, driven approach, better financing, and enhanced partnerships with private organizations to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination in Nigeria.
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