FG UNVEILS COMPREHENSIVE INITIATIVES AIMED AT EXPEDITING MALARIA ELIMINATION IN NIGERIA 04-05-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Federal Government has unveiled its comprehensive initiatives aimed at expediting malaria elimination in Nigeria and to enhance the health outcomes of its citizens.
At a high level dialogue in Abuja, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate highlighted the initiatives to include strengthening existing vector control measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying and larval source management.
The dialogue which was titled Rethinking Malaria Elimination in Nigeria Prof. Pate also stated that efforts would be intensified to broaden access to chemopreventive measures, including mass drug administration among vulnerable populations as well as ensure full implementation on multi-sectoral approach to significantly reduce the burden of malaria in the country.
“Through the deployment of innovative tools and technologies, the federal government aims to leverage innovative tools and technologies to enhance malaria diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance.“
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa said that the mid-term review of the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2021–2025 conducted in 2023 showed an unimpressive performance in malaria elimination and emphasised the need to collaborate with stakeholders from other sectors of the country to stem the tide.
“We are involving the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and also the Ministry of Education in our agenda to move ahead in eliminating malaria.“
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, emphasized the crucial role of political commitment and action in improving healthcare across African countries.
Dr. Moeti lauded the federal government for its efforts in increasing its health budget, and further reiterated the Organisation’s commitment to work with the Federal Ministry of Health and other developing partners to ensure financial assistance is aligned with national policies to eliminate malaria in Nigeria.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders from government agencies, healthcare organizations, non-governmental organizations, developing and international partners including world bank, The Global Fund, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations to strategize on innovative approaches to combat malaria effectively.