The Amina Ejiofor Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO), has unveiled a new initiative, Extinct Malaria, aimed at combating malaria among children and pregnant women in Nigeria and across Africa by the year 2030.
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Speaking at the campaign launch, the Founder and National Coordinator, Amina Ejiofor, revealed that the campaign was inspired by her personal experience of repeatedly treating her two-month-old son for malaria within a short timeframe.
“Malaria remains a leading public health challenge in Africa, especially in Nigeria, where it accounts for 26.8% of global malaria-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)”.
“In 2022 alone, Nigeria recorded 158,000 deaths from malaria, with children under five being the most vulnerable group”, She said.
Ejiofor described these figures as alarming and emphasized the need for immediate action to reverse the trend.
The Extinct Malaria campaign seeks to address this burden by advocating for increased funding, prioritizing health and malaria control financing, and promoting preventive measures. Ejiofor stressed the importance of reducing stagnant water, a major breeding ground for mosquitoes, and improving access to healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas.
The NGO highlighted the successes of malaria-free countries like Algeria, Mauritius, Cape Verde, and Egypt as sources of hope for Nigeria.
To achieve this, the Foundation is set to embark on community-focused awareness campaigns, starting with the rural areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) before expanding to neighboring states and eventually nationwide.
These campaigns will educate communities on preventive measures such as the use of treated mosquito nets, mosquito repellents, and environmental sanitation.
“Additionally, the Extinct Malaria campaign will support the rollout of the new malaria vaccine, which has shown success in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, and is now being introduced in select Nigerian states. The Foundation also plans to distribute malaria prevention materials to pregnant women, nursing mothers, and other vulnerable groups during visits to schools, hospitals, and health centers”. She noted.
As part of its long-term goals, the NGO aims to work with government agencies, international organizations, and other stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, build capacity for health workers, and promote policies that support malaria elimination.
“Having witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of malaria, both within my family and in our communities, we are determined to use the platform of the Foundation to contribute to its eradication”. Ejiofor said.
She called on the media, development partners, and other relevant stakeholders to support the campaign and help achieve the goal of a malaria-free Nigeria by 2030.
The Amina Ejiofor Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to making Nigeria a success story in the global fight against malaria, starting with the activities planned for Extinct Malaria, which will culminate in heightened efforts by World Malaria Day 2025.
Dr. Omolara Olatunji of MEV Specialist Hospital Wuse 2 Abuja, called for a holistic approach to tackling malaria in Nigeria, emphasizing the evolving nature of the disease and the need for innovative solutions.
Dr. Olatunji highlighted the adaptability of Plasmodium falciparum, the most prevalent malaria parasite in the region, noting that it has developed resistance to several commonly used drugs.
She stressed that malaria affects entire households, making it imperative to extend preventive measures to all family members.
“The introduction of malaria vaccines into Nigeria’s National Program on Immunization (NPI) is a significant milestone in the fight against the disease, according to Dr. Olahunji.
She revealed that the rollout has begun in Kebbi and Bayelsa states, which have the highest malaria prevalence rates, with Kebbi recording a staggering 49%, expressing optimism that the vaccines would be expanded nationwide within months, complementing other preventive measures such as the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, repellent creams, and environmental sanitation to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
Dr. Olahunji also underscored the importance of protecting pregnant women, who are particularly vulnerable to malaria in endemic regions like Nigeria. She advocated for Intermittent Preventive Therapy (IPT), a protocol where pregnant women receive anti-malarial drugs even if they show no symptoms.
This, she explained, helps prevent potential harm to the fetus caused by malaria exposure. She encouraged expectant mothers to promptly visit hospitals at the onset of malaria symptoms, such as fever, weakness, and poor appetite, rather than waiting for routine antenatal appointments.
Dr. Olahunji reiterated the importance of evolving strategies to combat malaria, given its persistent and dynamic nature.
“Malaria is a menace that has plagued us for generations, but with vaccines, preventive therapies, and public awareness, we can significantly reduce its impact,” she said. She urged Nigerians to prioritize prevention and early treatment to safeguard their health and that of future generations.
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