In its effort to eliminate malaria in Nigeria, the Federal Government has enlisted the backing of prominent business leaders.
The government announced that Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, and Femi Otedola, Chairman of Geregu Power Plc, will spearhead the fight against the disease.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, officially launched the Nigeria End Malaria Council on Friday in Abuja.
Alausa said that the industry heavyweights would collaborate with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the National Assembly Joint Health Committees and women’s organisations.
He said that they have been tasked with task of reducing, and potentially eliminating the malaria scourge in the country.
The minister emphasised the urgency of addressing malaria prevalence in the country, which led to the establishment of the council,
According to him, the disease’s prevalence country makes it urgently expedient to explore every option available to address it.
“The Nigeria End Malaria Council was established on Aug. 16, 2017 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Its primary objectives are to keep malaria high on national and state agenda and secure a strong political commitment from leaders. It is also to mobilise resources, particularly from the private sector, to close resource gaps in the national malaria strategic plan,” he said.
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He said that the council had been unable to meet since 2022 due to the change in government and other operational challenges, adding that the Secretariat, however, remained functional.
He said that the country 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 per cent to 30 per cent of childhood mortality and about 60 per cent 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 said.
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.
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