The Federal Government has identified malaria as a pressing health, economic, and developmental crisis, with an annual toll of $1.1 billion in economic losses. This revelation was made by Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, during the inaugural meeting of the Advisory on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (AMEN) in Abuja.
Prof. Pate emphasized the devastating impact of malaria on the nation, which accounts for 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of malaria deaths, with over 180,000 Nigerian children under the age of five succumbing to the disease in 2022.
“This is not just a health crisis; it is an economic and developmental emergency,” Pate stated, highlighting how malaria hampers productivity, burdens households with healthcare costs, and exacerbates poverty.
The newly formed AMEN, chaired by Prof. Rose Leke, will focus on creating evidence-based strategies, ensuring malaria eradication features prominently in government budgets, and establishing accountability frameworks. Traditional and religious leaders will play a pivotal role in driving grassroots advocacy, particularly promoting insecticide-treated nets, chemoprevention, and vaccine use.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Adekunle Salako, described AMEN as a team of experts committed to guiding the nation toward reducing the malaria burden and achieving a malaria-free Nigeria. He stressed the importance of coordinating efforts across government, private sector, international partners, and communities.
The initiative aligns with the National Malaria Strategic Plan (2021-2025) and the Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to reduce malaria prevalence to below 10% and halve malaria-related mortality rates. Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom commended the administration's renewed commitment, expressing optimism about achieving these ambitious goals.
