The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating malaria, recognizing the disease as a significant public health challenge with substantial socio-economic implications.
In a statement made in Abuja on Sunday, Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, emphasized that malaria elimination is a top priority for President Bola Tinubu's administration. The statement was issued by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry.
Dr. Salako highlighted the government’s strategic focus on combating malaria, noting the progress achieved through initiatives like the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp). He stated, “This strategy fosters collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-national governments, enabling better tracking of annual operational and implementation plans at the state level under a unified healthcare policy.”
Additionally, he pointed out the integration of digital health initiatives aimed at streamlining malaria interventions and establishing a centralized health data repository. The Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) was also identified as a crucial tool in strengthening primary healthcare services, including malaria management.
“We have the Digital in Health initiative, a nationwide effort to digitalize healthcare at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. The BHCPF covers malaria, and under this administration, its management has been reorganized to ensure more regular fund disbursement,” he stated.
Dr. Salako commended the Malaria Consortium for its independent assessments of government interventions, reiterating Nigeria’s appreciation for the consortium’s contributions to malaria eradication. “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.
The remarks were made during a meeting with a delegation from the Malaria Consortium, led by Dr. Nnenna Ogbulafor, National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP).
Dr. Kolawole Maxwell, Director of Programmes at the Malaria Consortium, also briefed the minister on the organization’s research and assessment visits across northern and southern Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration, particularly in Kano and Osun States, to improve malaria case management.
Dr. Maxwell outlined the consortium’s efforts to address barriers to mosquito net usage. “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,” he explained.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the government’s announcement underscores the importance of sustained interventions, partnerships, and investments in health systems to achieve the goal of a malaria-free Nigeria.
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