Federal Government Unveils Comprehensive Plan to Eradicate Malaria

The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced an extensive initiative with the aim of accelerating the elimination of malaria in the country and improving the health outcomes of its citizens.

During a high-level dialogue session held in Abuja, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, outlined key components of the initiative, which include bolstering existing vector control measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and larval source management.

Titled “Rethinking Malaria Elimination in Nigeria,” the dialogue emphasized the intensification of efforts to expand access to chemopreventive measures, including mass drug administration among vulnerable populations, and to ensure the full implementation of a multisectoral approach aimed at significantly reducing the malaria burden in the country.

Prof. Pate emphasized the government’s commitment to leveraging innovative tools and technologies to enhance malaria diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance.

Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health, highlighted the unsatisfactory performance observed during the mid-term review of the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2021–2025, underscoring the importance of collaboration with stakeholders from various sectors to address this challenge effectively.

“We are engaging with the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Education to advance our agenda for malaria elimination,” Dr. Alausa stated.

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the critical role of political commitment and action in enhancing healthcare across African nations. Dr. Moeti commended the Federal Government for increasing its health budget and reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health and other development partners to align financial assistance with national policies aimed at malaria elimination in Nigeria.

The dialogue brought together key stakeholders from government agencies, healthcare organizations, non-governmental organizations, and international partners, including the World Bank, The Global Fund, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to strategize on innovative approaches to effectively combat malaria.