The Nation Newspaper

Tag: malaria

  • First Lady calls for recommitment in fight against malaria

    First Lady calls for recommitment in fight against malaria

    As Nigeria joins the global community to mark World Malaria Day 2025, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called for renewed commitment to the fight against the deadly disease, which remains one of the nation’s most pressing health emergencies.

    In a statement on Friday, Tinubu urged government agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, healthcare professionals and community leaders to rally together with urgency and resolve. 

    “I urge all government agencies, private sector partners, NGOs, health workers, and community leaders to recommit to the fight against malaria with urgency and resolve. Malaria ends with us, with our voices, our choices and our actions,” she stated.

    The First Lady’s statement aligns with the 2025 World Malaria Day theme: “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.” 

    The theme, she noted, is a call to action and a message of hope—urging Nigerians to renew investments in life-saving interventions, intensify awareness campaigns, and revive the collective will needed to eradicate the disease.

    Tinubu emphasised that beyond medical interventions, environmental responsibility plays a critical role in combatting the spread of malaria. 

    Read Also: I survived malaria, but Nigeria needs more resources to defeat It

    “We should also ensure that our environment and surroundings are clean and free of stagnant water, that are breeding ground for mosquitoes,” she said.

    Highlighting the scale of the challenge, the First Lady noted that Nigeria bears the highest burden of malaria globally, a situation she described not just as a public health issue, but a national emergency. 

    “We must continue to work hard to reverse this trend,” she said.

    World Malaria Day is observed annually on April 25 to raise awareness about the disease and mobilize action toward its control and eventual elimination. 

    Malaria continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives across Africa each year, with Nigeria accounting for a significant percentage of global cases and deaths.

    Since assuming office, the Tinubu administration has reiterated its commitment to improving public health outcomes, with special focus on diseases like malaria that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women.

  • I survived malaria, but Nigeria needs more resources to defeat It

    I survived malaria, but Nigeria needs more resources to defeat It

    By Bashir Aliyu

    Three years ago, during a field work to cover the worsening humanitarian crises affecting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maiduguri the capital of Borno State, who were still afraid of returning to their homes for fear of overnight attacks from terrorists, I was struck by a severe malaria fever that left me bedridden for weeks.

    Throughout the three weeks I was afflicted by malaria battling for my life,,  I witnessed a first-hand account of how malaria devastates lives and retards  economic growth especially in remote communities where access to healthcare centres is still difficult or sometimes not available. I saw children  suffer needlesslyand parents financially drained by medical bills. I saw parents who lost their childrenprematurely to malaria.

    As a 36-year journalist who has travelled widely including reporting trips to many hard-to-reach communities, I am not new to danger and threats to life, but nothing prepared me for the surprised assault malaria launched on me. Far away from home and loved ones, and unable to cater for my family for weeks, my experience with malaria was the turning point that inspired my mission to highlight its toll, and demand Nigeria mobilize more resources to end it once and for all.

    Malaria is Nigeria’s unrelenting scourge, it is in fact a national tragedy. In 2023, the World Health Organization estimated 71 million cases and 176,000 deaths, accounting for 27% of global cases and 30.9% of Africa’s malaria fatalities (WHO Malaria Fact Sheet). Children under five years made up 76% of these deaths, a heartbreaking loss of future leaders and potentials. Beyond the tragic loss of lives, malaria also cripples the economy. A 2024 study suggests that meeting global malaria reduction targets could boost Nigeria’s GDP by $35 billion (World Economic Forum). Families spend heavily—$12.57 for outpatient care, $23.20 for inpatient per case—trapping them in poverty (PLOS ONE, 2013).

    2023 Malaria Statistics Value
    Global Cases 263 million
    Nigeria Cases (est.) 71 million (27%)
    African Region Deaths 569,000 (95% global)
    Nigeria Deaths (est.) 176,000 (30.9% region)
    Children Under 5 Deaths 76% of regional deaths

    The R21 Vaccine: A Bright Spot

    But there is good news and hope arrived with the R21/Matrix-M vaccine, launched in November 2024 in Kebbi and Bayelsa, the high-burden states. With 75% efficacy, it is a life-changing innovation for children  aged 5-15 months according to the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF Nigeria). The malaria vaccine has now been incorporated into the Routine Immunisation system and an addition to the critical malaria control interventions, including the distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (LLINs) and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) already implemented by government.

    Read Also: Why malaria may not go, by health campaigners

     Nigeria secured one million doses—846,200 from GAVI, 153,800 from the government—vaccinating over 500,000 children by April 2025. Early data hint at a 30% drop in cases among vaccinated groups, though it is too early for firm conclusions (WHO Nigeria). There are plans to expand this malaria vaccination exercise nationwide, a move that would set Nigeria on the path to eradicate the scourge once and for all. But as ambitious as this plan has been, there is a massive funding gap, which must be bridged if Nigeria is to end malaria scourge.

    The Resource Gap

    International partners are vital to bridging this resource gap. Development Partners have invested a lot, supporting vaccines and health systems. The Global Fund pledged $993 million for 2024-2026 to fight HIV, TB, and malaria, while GAVI and the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative back seasonal chemoprevention, reaching 28.9 million kids in 2023 (Severe Malaria Observatory). The Gates Foundation has invested heavily in malaria vaccine research and has recently announced another $258.3million for malaria research and development.

    Yet, Nigeria’s domestic efforts lag far behind. Only 5.75% of the national budget goes to health, well below the African Union’s 15% target (Borgen Project). The National Malaria Elimination Programme’s 2021-2025 goal of cutting morbidity to 10% and deaths to under 50 per 1,000 is at risk without intentional  funds allocation by government.

    Private Sector’s Role

    This is where Nigeria’s private sector can step up and meet some of these obligations as seen in other parts of Africa. In Zambia,mining firms fund malaria control programmes thereby slashing  local malaria cases.  In Nigeria, the Nigeria End Malaria Council, launched in 2022, engages corporate leaders (PMC NEMC). The Dangote Foundation’s $50 million pledge for northern Nigeria is a model—others must follow. Companies benefit too: less malaria means fewer sick days and higher productivity.

    Funding Sources Details
    Global Fund (2024–2026) $993 million (HIV, TB, malaria)
    Gates Foundation (2022) $276 million
    GAVI (R21 Vaccine) 846,200 doses
    Nigeria Gov’t (R21) 153,800 doses
    Health Budget 5.75% of national budget

    But there are challenges even beyond funding. For instance, logistics plague the malaria vaccine rollout as rural clinics lack cold storage facilities, and vaccine hesitancy persists in some areas. Drug-resistant malaria and the urban-spreading Anopheles stephensi mosquito complicate efforts (Africa Malaria Report). Climate change and population growth fuel transmission. However, more resources could stem some of these problems, we could train more health workers to increase and hasten distribution and access,  we could improve data systems like the NMEP’s 2022 repository, and fund research for new tools.

    A Survivor’s Plea

    As a survivor, I know malaria’s pain—physical, emotional, and economic. Nigeria’s government must raise health spending to at least 15% of the budget, prioritizing vaccine expansion and malaria prevention. Businesses should invest, not just for charity but for growth—a 90% malaria reduction by 2030 could add $35 billion to our GDP. International partners like the Gates Foundation show the way, but Nigeria must own this fight. “We’re at a turning point,” says WHO’s Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo (WHO Nigeria). Let’s seize it. More resources now mean fewer graves, healthier kids, and a stronger Nigeria. Malaria didn’t defeat me—it shouldn’t defeat us either.

    Key Citations:

    • WHO Malaria Fact Sheet 2024
    • UNICEF Nigeria Vaccine Rollout 2024
    • WHO Nigeria R21 Vaccine Introduction
    • World Economic Forum Malaria GDP Impact
    • Global Fund Nigeria Grants 2024-2026
    • Severe Malaria Observatory Nigeria Statistics
    • Borgen Project Nigeria Health Funding
    • Africa Malaria Progress Report 2023
    • PMC Nigeria End Malaria Council

    Bashir Aliyu Writes from Abuja

  • Why malaria may not go, by health campaigners

    Why malaria may not go, by health campaigners

    Eradicating malaria may remain an elusive dream if leaders of government continue to sideline the country’s health care system, while depending on foreign medical treatment, health campaigners warned yesterday.

    This is as the world marks World Malaria Day 2025 with the theme: “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite”.

    The advocates called for renewed commitment, increased domestic investment and urgent reforms in Nigeria’s health infrastructure to truly combat the deadly disease.

    In a statement yesterday, Francis Nwapa, convener of the #EndMalariaInNigeria campaign, said Nigeria must stop depending on foreign aid and instead focus on strengthening its own health infrastructure.

    “We need to stop relying on aid that has not truly helped us reduce malaria deaths. Nigeria must take ownership of the fight and begin to invest in our hospitals, labs and environmental health systems,” Nwapa said.

    His comments came amid concerns over the impact of the recent withdrawal of malaria funding to African countries by the United States.

    Read Also: Infinix Nigeria Champions Local Gaming Talent at Gamers Assembly 2025 in France

    Nwapa believed the funding was not effectively used in Nigeria, accusing government officials of diverting resources meant to combat the disease.

    The group pointed to the collapse of local efforts like the Nigerian Vaccine Production Centre in Yaba, Lagos, which was once a major producer of vaccines for diseases such as smallpox and yellow fever between 1940 and 1991. Today, the facility lies in ruins.

    “That centre could have played a major role in producing malaria vaccines today. But it was abandoned. It shows how we’ve failed to build on our own successes,” Nwapa said.

    According to the statement, past international projects such as the Roll Back Malaria programme, which involved the World Bank, UNICEF, UNDP, and WHO, did not significantly lower Nigeria’s malaria death rate despite large financial investments.

    In recent years, the Nigerian government has launched new efforts like the End Malaria Council, first inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022 and later re-inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2024. The council is chaired by billionaire Aliko Dangote and includes top business leaders like Femi Otedola and Tony Elumelu.

    However, the #EndMalariaInNigeria campaign questioned the effectiveness of the council, criticising the absence of environmental health experts in the team.

    “It feels more like a business project than a real health intervention,” Nwapa said. “Where are the professionals who understand mosquito control and public health?”

    The World Health Organisation has noted that children from the poorest households in sub-Saharan Africa are five times more likely to contract malaria than those from wealthier homes. In Nigeria, worsening poverty is making it harder for families to access health care and live in clean environments.

    Nwapa believes government should prioritise proper housing, constant electricity, and better waste management as part of its malaria control strategy.

    “Simple things like good drainage, clean water, and power supply can stop mosquitoes from breeding. We must build modern systems to support healthy living,” he said.

    Despite being one of the most malaria-endemic countries in the world, Nigeria still records over 100 million cases of malaria every year, contributing to 30 per cent of childhood deaths, 25 per cent of deaths in babies under one year old, and 11 per cent of maternal deaths annually.

    In contrast, African countries like Mauritius, Algeria, Egypt and most recently Cape Verde, have been declared malaria-free by the WHO after recording no local cases for at least three years.

    Nwapa concluded by calling on the government to declare a public health emergency on malaria and take full responsibility for protecting its citizens.

    “Until our leaders stop flying abroad for treatment and start fixing our health system here at home, Nigerians will continue to die needlessly from a preventable disease,” he said.

  • MLSCN, NMEP sign training pact on Malaria

    MLSCN, NMEP sign training pact on Malaria

    The Federal Government, in collaboration with development partners, is stepping up efforts to eliminate malaria in the country by strengthening diagnostic capabilities.

    A key milestone in this drive was marked yesterday in Abuja with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) and the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP).

    The agreement will lead to the establishment of a malaria microscopy training laboratory at the MLSCN Public Health Laboratory in Abuja. The proposed facility which will have  42 state-of-the-art teaching microscopes donated under the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC-7), will serve as a national hub for training and certification in malaria diagnostics.

      MLSCN Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tosan Erhabor described the partnership as a strategic step towards building a sustainable workforce for accurate malaria diagnosis.

    Read Also: Television lawyers

    “The MoU provides a framework to empower laboratory scientists with the skills needed for precise diagnosis, ensuring we reduce dependence on estimates and improve malaria data accuracy,” he said.

    Erhabor emphasised the laboratory’s capacity to host both National and External Competency Assessments for Malaria Microscopy (NCAMM and ECAMM), thus localising what was previously a foreign-based process.

    Highlighting the economic benefit, he noted that sending professionals to Kenya for WHO certification previously cost about N4 million to N5 million per person.

    “Now, with local training, we can achieve the same outcomes for about N400,000 per participant. This will enable us to train more professionals and save significant foreign exchange,” he said.

    Erhabor projected that if the training is conducted twice a year over the next five years, the country’s pool of certified microscopists would grow significantly, addressing the current shortfall.

    Presently, Nigeria has only about 20 WHO-certified level-one microscopists, a number grossly inadequate for a population of over 200 million.

      NMEP National Coordinator Nnenna Ogbulafor hailed the initiative as a major stride in the country’s malaria elimination efforts.

    She said: “Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, particularly among children and pregnant women.

    “Improving diagnostic capacity is essential to ensuring timely and appropriate treatment.”

  • Fed Govt determined to make Nigeria malaria-free

    Fed Govt determined to make Nigeria malaria-free

    • Minister declares disease critical health challenge

    The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating malaria in the country.

    It described the life-threatening disease as a critical public health challenge and assured that with focussed strategies. the nation would become a malaria-free nation.

    Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare  Iziaq Salako stated this while receiving a delegation of the Malaria Consortium led by the National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Nnenna Ogbulafor.

    Salako explained that the strategy by the government ‘’fosters collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-national governments, enabling better tracking of annual operations and implementation plans at the state level under a unified healthcare policy. ” 

    Salako, according to a statement by the ministry’s  Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations Alaba Balogun, highlighted government’s progress in tackling the scourge through its Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) initiative.

    “This strategy fosters collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-national governments, enabling better tracking of annual operations and implementation plans at the state level under a unified healthcare policy,” he said

    He also underscored the role of digital health initiatives in streamlining malaria interventions, describing the strategy as crucial for creating a centralised health data repository.

    Commending the consortium for its independent assessment  of the government’s  interventions, the minister pointed to the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) as a key driver in strengthening primary healthcare, including malaria management

    Read Also: 2025 Budget: Rep, NEMC applaud historic N231b Malaria control allocation

    Salako said: “We have the Digital in Health initiative, a nationwide effort to digitalise healthcare at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

    “The BHCPF covers malaria, and under this administration, its management has been reorganised to ensure more regular fund disbursement.

    “I appreciate your feedback from field assessments, and I assure you that Nigeria will continue to value and support the Malaria Consortium in delivering on its mandate,” he said.

      He reiterated the ministry’s appreciation for the consortium’s contributions to malaria eradication in Nigeria.

    Director of Programmes at Malaria Consortium, Kolawole Maxwell, briefed the minister on the organisation’s research and assessment visits to parts of the country.

    Maxwell emphasised the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, particularly in Kano and Osun states, to enhance malaria case management.

    He highlighted ongoing efforts to identify incentives and barriers affecting the use of mosquito nets.

    The director said: “In the first phase, we are working with stakeholders to understand the factors influencing net usage.

    “The second phase involves leveraging these findings to develop tailored solutions.” 

  • Gov Otu lauds Chinese collaboration in malaria fight

    Gov Otu lauds Chinese collaboration in malaria fight

    Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, on Friday, hosted the Chinese Consul General, Ms. Yan Yuqing, at his office in Calabar, where he called for greater Chinese investment in the state.

    The visit by the Consul General and her team included the donation of anti-malaria drugs worth N35 million to support the state’s healthcare initiatives.

    Governor Otu expressed gratitude for the generous donation, highlighting its significance in the state’s fight against malaria and its broader efforts to enhance healthcare delivery.

    He acknowledged the enduring partnership between Cross River State and the Chinese government, applauding the longstanding ties that have spurred trade, industrial growth, and cultural exchange. 

    Otu also commended the Chinese community’s contributions to the state’s development over the years.

    The governor who assured the delegation of his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors, including members of the Chinese community, also -reiterated the state’s openness to collaborations that align with its developmental priorities.

    The discussions also explored future collaborations, including attracting Chinese investors to the Calabar Free Trade Zone, initiating large-scale infrastructure projects, and enhancing the global appeal of the renowned Calabar Carnival.

    In her remarks, Ms. Yan Yuqing, the Consul General of China in Lagos, commended Cross River State for its rich cultural heritage, history, and investment potential. 

    She reaffirmed China’s dedication to strengthening ties with Nigeria and highlighted opportunities for partnership in trade, agriculture, vocational education, and infrastructure development. 

    “China recognizes the immense potential of Nigeria and Cross River State to achieve remarkable progress, and we are committed to supporting this journey,” she said.

    Accompanying Ms. Yan were key representatives, including Mr. Qi Chenjun of CCECC Nigeria, Mr. Yang Wenyi from the Chinese community in Cross River, and Mr. Fan Yongsheng of Mutual Commitment Company Limited, among others.

  • Gavi donates 846,000 Malaria vaccine to Nigeria

    Gavi donates 846,000 Malaria vaccine to Nigeria

    Nigeria has received 846,000 doses of the RTS, S/AS01 (Mosquirix) vaccine from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to combat malaria.

    This vaccine, proven to reduce malaria cases and mortality among young children in large clinical trials across Africa, makes Nigeria the third country to adopt it, following Ghana and Kenya, which started using it in 2023.

    The vaccine rollout is set to begin in November in two high-prevalence States, Kebbi and Bayelsa, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Muyi Aina, said on Thursday.

    Malaria, which is transmitted year-round in southern Nigeria and lasts up to three months in the northern regions, remains a major public health concern, affecting about 97 percent of the population.

    During the handover of the RTS, S/AS01 vaccines in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, emphasized the pivotal role the vaccine will play in reducing malaria cases and deaths.

    He noted that the arrival of the vaccine marks a historic milestone in Nigeria’s fight against malaria and will significantly enhance the country’s ongoing efforts to eliminate the disease, revealing that the rollout would begin in high-burden regions before expanding nationwide.

    The minister said: “Our target is to prioritize regions most affected by malaria, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited.

    “With proper infrastructure, political will, and continued international collaboration, Nigeria is poised to make substantial progress in reducing the disease’s toll and moving toward malaria elimination”.

    Asserting that global health partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, are providing both technical and financial support to ensure the successful rollout of the malaria vaccine, Pate said, “USAID and other partners are pushing for rapid scale-up beyond the initial two States.

    “The aim issue for a nationwide rollout to cover all regions of the country,” Pate added.

    On his part, the Executive Director (ED) of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Muyi Aina, also underscored the importance of the vaccine, noting that Nigeria is among the top 10 contributors to the global burden of malaria, accounting for approximately 27 percent of the global burden and 31 percent of malaria deaths worldwide.

    “In 2022, nearly 200,000 deaths from malaria occurred in Nigeria. Children under five years of age, and pregnant women are the most affected, with a national malaria prevalence rate of 22% in children aged 6-59 months as of 2021.

    “The vaccine would quicken our malaria control and elimination efforts, as we expect about a 13% reduction in all-cause mortality in children under five and a 22% reduction in hospitalized severe malaria cases.

    Read Also: Overcoming hurdles toward malaria vaccine deployment

    He however assured that the agency would not compromise deployment of the vaccine for whatever reason, saying, “The WHO recommends prioritization of the vaccine in areas of high to moderate transmission and this is guiding our phased introduction strategy.

    “Consequently, we are commencing the first phase of the introduction in November, in two States – Kebbi and Bayelsa, with high prevalence of malaria.

    “Kebbi because it has the highest prevalence rate in the country (52%); while Bayelsa is selected because its target population of 69,935, and that of Kebbi’s 162,014, aligns with the one million doses available for this phase, thereby ensuring that the vaccine supply is effectively utilized.

    “The vaccine will be administered to children aged 5 months to 15 months as part of Routine Immunization.

    “Each child requires four doses, given at 5, 6, 7, and 15 months of age, to be fully protected”.

    Expressing optimism about the vaccine’s life-saving potential, WHO’s representative in Nigeria, Walter Mulombo, voiced confidence that the vaccine, when combined with other preventive measures, will significantly reduce the malaria burden in Nigeria and bring the country closer to the goal of a malaria-free Africa.

  • An opportunity to eliminate malaria in pregnancy

    An opportunity to eliminate malaria in pregnancy

    • By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

    Sir: “We are immensely proud to have received WHO pre-qualification for our Sulfadoxine Plus Pyrimethamine Tablet for preventing malaria in pregnancy. This achievement demonstrates our unwavering commitment to improving maternal health and combating malaria, two critical public health challenges in Nigeria and beyond. We believe every woman deserves access to safe and effective preventive measures during pregnancy, and we are dedicated to making this a reality.”

    Above is part of the speech delivered by the Managing Director of Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited, Frederic Lieutaud, after the pharmaceutical company got the World Health Organisation’s pre-qualification for Swipha’s SP 500/25mg – a drug for the prevention of malaria in pregnancy. 

    Malaria during pregnancy leads to serious adverse effects on mothers and the foetus. Approximately 25 million pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa live at risk of malaria. Two institution-based studies done among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) in Nigeria showed the prevalence of malaria to be 41.6% according to study published on Iris Journal of Medical Science, 2020.

    Medical experts in the country have long been singing the same tune that combining sleeping under an insecticidal-treated net with intermittent malaria prophylaxis during pregnancy is the only way to ensure pregnant women don’t fall prey to the deadly consequences of malaria, such as stillbirth and premature delivery.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s global passport ranking to improve, says Minister

    It is the best bet and the safest route to prevent these complications. By taking these measures, expectant mothers can stay one step ahead of malaria and give their babies a fighting chance at a healthy start in life.

    Despite throwing money at the problem and setting up committee after committee to tackle malaria, Nigeria is on the brink of missing its 2025 elimination target, which is just around the corner. With less than four months to go, the writing is on the wall – Nigeria is unlikely to hit its target, and malaria will continue to be a thorn in its side. It is a bitter pill to swallow!

    It would be recalled that in 2008, the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) set a target to reduce 50 percent of the malaria burden by 2013. Afterwards, there was the National Malaria Strategic Plan (2014-2020), with the goal to reduce the burden of the disease to pre-elimination level and bring malaria-related mortality to zero.

    By the end of 2020, Nigeria was not among the countries listed by WHO that achieved the 2020 milestones of reducing malaria incidence and deaths. The listed countries are; Botswana, Ethiopia, the Gambia, Ghana, Namibia and South Africa.

    Currently, there is the National Malaria Strategic Plan (NMSP 2021-2025) with the target to achieve a parasite prevalence of less than 10 percent and reduce mortality attributable to malaria to less than 50 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2025.

    Beyond being a historic first, Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited has been saddled with the enormous responsibility of ending malaria in hundreds of thousands of pregnant women in the country and beyond. After this pre-qualification the offing for Swipha’s SP 500/25mg is global procurement, national regulatory approval, tendering and procurement, distribution and supply chain management, monitoring and evaluation and inclusion in national treatment guidelines, therefore, is this is a point of no return.

    Upon success of all aforementioned, this is venture will open the floodgates for export, providing a much-needed lifeline to alleviate our lingering forex woes, not just profit for the pharmaceutical giant. So, the onus is on Swipha to sustain the momentum for Nigeria to remain on the forefront of medical and pharmaceutical discourse as the government should make effort to borrow a leaf their book.

    •Lawal Dahiru Mamman,

     Abuja.

  • Dangote, Otedola, Elumelu back Fed Govt’s moves to eliminate malaria

    Dangote, Otedola, Elumelu back Fed Govt’s moves to eliminate malaria

    The Federal Government at the weekend moved to reduce the scourge of malaria. It named Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, astute businessman Femi Otedola and renowned banker Tony Elumelu to lead the fresh efforts to end the menace.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the team in Abuja, Minister of State for Health/Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the country currently accounts for over a quarter of global malaria cases and about a third of the over 600,000 malaria deaths worldwide.

    The minister identified children and expectant mother as the worst-hit.

    Describing the situations as ‘sad’, the minister added that the ailment contributes about 25 per cent to 30 per cent of childhood mortality and about 60 per cent of hospital attendance.

    According to him, malaria is also a major cause of absenteeism in schools, markets, and workplaces, as well as a significant out-of-pocket expense for most households in the country.

    Dangote is the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Otedola is Chairman FBN Holdings Plc, Chairman, Geregu Power Plc  and several other business concerns and Elumelu is the Chairman of UBA Group,  founder of Heirs Holdings and also chairs  Trancorp Group.

    At the inaugural meeting of the Nigeria End Malaria Council (NEMC), which also has John Cardinal Onaiyekan as member, the minister stated that the industry heavyweights would collaborate with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), National Assembly joint Health Committees and women organisations to drive the fresh efforts.

    Alausa said: “It gives me great pleasure to be present in this auspicious meeting whose major objective is to contribute to a reduction in the malaria burden and possibly the elimination of malaria in Nigeria, which will ultimately lead to the improvement in the quality of lives of all Nigerians.

    “It is no longer news that Nigeria contributes more than a quarter of global malaria cases and about a third of the over 600,000 deaths, mostly among children and pregnant women. It is sad to note that malaria contributes about 25-30 per cent childhood mortality and about 60 per cent hospital attendance.

    Read Also: FG mobilises Dangote, Otedola, Elumelu, NGF against malaria

    “Similarly, malaria is a major cause of absenteeism to schools, markets and workplaces, as well as a major out of pocket spending for most households in the country.”

    The minister noted that it was common knowledge that Nigeria which currently has a population of over 200 million has its entire population at risk of malaria, a situation that puts a huge challenge on the government.

    He lamented that the implementation of the various interventions such as provision of antimalarial medicines, protective interventions such as chemo-preventive treatments as well as treated nets and insecticides for indoor and outdoor spraying had remained inadequate to meet the targeted population.

    The minister said: “While malaria cases and deaths are shrinking in other countries, Nigeria has continuously recorded higher number of cases. The bulk of the support for the interventions are donor-driven, hence inadequate and not sustainable.

    “Aware of the fact that no country ever eliminated malaria through donor supports, the African Heads of States launched the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) during the African Union Summit of 2009 and the Malaria Scorecard was developed in 2011 to monitor country’s performance and also, to be used as an advocacy tool for heads of Government.”

    According to him, the council was established in 2017 and was inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari on August 16, 2022, stressing that the inaugural meeting was long overdue.

    He stated that the setting up of the End Malaria Council was to advocate for malaria to remain high on the national and state agendas through strong political commitment from leaders at all levels, mobilise financial and in-kind resources from new sources, including the private sector to help close resource gaps in the national malaria strategic plan.

     “By reason of your positions in Nigeria, your passion towards health issues, especially malaria, and the interest groups you represent, your membership to this council is inevitable for the benefit of the larger society, and especially children and pregnant women who are the most affected and would remain forever grateful,” he added.

    At the event, the minister handed over the leadership of the council to Dangote, who has served as Nigeria’s Malaria Ambassador as well as a member of the Global End Malaria Council.

    Speaking at the meeting, Dangote urged panel members to tackle malaria head-on, highlighting members’ collective strength across government, civil society, religion, and business as well as their unique ability to mobilise resources for the national malaria programme.

    Besides, he outlined the council’s primary objectives of ensuring that malaria elimination remained high on Nigeria’s agenda, noting that it is possible with strong political commitment from leaders at all levels, and advocacy at both the national and state levels to secure sufficient funding.

    The business icon urged the council to be alive to its responsibility of protecting the progress made so far, sustaining it, and ensuring that the country is on an irreversible pathway to ending malaria.

    Dangote said: “I want to appreciate your acceptance to serve our beloved country in this capacity, and I am glad to join hands with you to reduce the burden and deaths due to malaria in Nigeria.”

    Council members are expected to mobilise funds needed to ensure that the malaria scourge is eliminated in the country.

    Also, the Nigeria end malaria council secretariat, led by its Executive Secretary, Mr. Ope Abegunde, was handed over to the council.

  • FG seeks Dangote, Otedola, Elumelu, NGF’s support against malaria

    FG seeks Dangote, Otedola, Elumelu, NGF’s support against malaria

    …as Dangote takes up challenge, rallies council to eliminate malaria

    As part of the drive toward eradicating malaria in Nigeria, the federal government has enlisted the support of prominent business leaders led by Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, alongside Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, and Femi Otedola, Chairman of Geregu Power Plc to lead the charge against the disease.

    The industry heavyweights, along with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), National Assembly Joint Health Committees, and women’s organizations, among others have been tasked with reducing, and potentially eliminating the malaria scourge in the country.

    During the inaugural meeting of the Nigeria End Malaria Council on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa emphasized the urgency of addressing malaria prevalence in Nigeria, which led to the establishment of the Council, saying, “The disease’s prevalence in the country makes it urgently expedient to explore every option available to address it”.

    The Nigeria End Malaria Council, established in 2017, was inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari on August 16, 2022, with the primary objectives to keep malaria high on national and state agendas, secure a strong political commitment from leaders, and mobilize resources from both traditional and innovative sources, particularly the private sector, to close resource gaps in the national malaria strategic plan.

    Following the 2022 inauguration, the Council was unable to meet due to the change in government and other operational challenges, although the Secretariat remained functional.

    Noting that the urgency of the Council’s mission is underscored by alarming statistics of the scourge, the Minister said: “Nigeria contributes over a quarter of global malaria cases and about a third of the more than 600,000 malaria deaths worldwide, mostly affecting children and pregnant women.

    “It is sad to note that malaria contributes about 25-30% of childhood mortality and about 60% of hospital attendance. Similarly, malaria is a major cause of absenteeism in schools, markets, and workplaces, as well as a significant out-of-pocket expense for most households in the country.”

    He also recalled Nigeria’s involvement earlier this year in the Ministerial Conference on Malaria in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where Nigeria, alongside 10 other high-burden countries, signed a Declaration to scale up interventions against malaria.

    Read Also: ‘We’ll continue advocacy against malaria, say pest control managers

    This, according to him, was followed by the Rethinking Malaria Elimination in Nigeria” roundtable discussion in Abuja, which brought together major stakeholders and global players to identify challenges and strategize on eliminating malaria.

    Highlighting the enormity of the challenge, Alausa lamented: “Nigeria currently has a population of over 200 million, and the entire population is at risk of malaria. This puts a huge challenge on the Government and requires a different approach to tackle the disease.”

    He, however, acknowledged that while current interventions like antimalarial medicines and protective measures such as treated nets and insecticides are essential, they remain insufficient.

    Moreover, he pointed out that much of the support for the interventions comes from donors, which is neither adequate nor sustainable.

    Referencing the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) launched in 2009 and the Malaria Scorecard developed in 2011 to monitor country performance, the minister noted that “No country has ever eliminated malaria through donor support alone”.

    While formally handing over the leadership of the Council to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who has served as Nigeria’s Malaria Ambassador as well as a member of the Global End Malaria Council, the Minister nonetheless expressed confidence in the newly inaugurated Council members.

    Outlining the council’s critical role, he said: “The major objective of this body is to contribute to a reduction in the malaria burden and possibly the elimination of malaria in Nigeria, which will ultimately lead to an improvement in the quality of lives of all Nigerians.

    “Because of your positions in Nigeria, your passion towards health issues, especially malaria, and the interest groups you represent, your membership to this Council is inevitable for the benefit of the larger society, especially children and pregnant women who are the most affected and would remain forever grateful,” he noted.

    The Nigeria End Malaria Council Secretariat, led by its Executive Secretary, Ope Abegunde, was also handed over to the Council signaling the government’s commitment to making malaria history in Nigeria.

    At the inaugural meeting of the Council, Dangote urged the members to tackle malaria head-on during the council’s inaugural meeting.

    Highlighting their collective strength across government, civil society, religion, and business, he emphasized their unique ability to mobilize resources for the national malaria program.

    He also outlined the council’s primary objectives: ensuring that malaria elimination remains high on Nigeria’s agenda with strong political commitment from leaders at all levels and advocating at both the national and state levels to secure sufficient funding.

    He urged the Council to be alive to its responsibility of protecting the progress made so far, sustain it, and ensure that the country is on an irreversible pathway to ending malaria for good.

    “I want to appreciate your acceptance to serve our beloved country in this capacity and I am glad to join hands with you to reduce the burden and deaths due to malaria in Nigeria,” he said

    The council members committed to mobilizing funds needed to ensure Malaria is eliminated in Nigeria.