The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating malaria with the inaugural meeting of the Advisory for Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (AMEN).
The AMEN inaugural meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to eradicate malaria, a disease that continues to take a heavy toll on its population and economy.
The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described malaria as a health and economic emergency requiring urgent action.
Prof. Pate emphasised that malaria continues to take a heavy toll on Nigeria, with the country accounting for 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of malaria-related deaths.
He revealed that in 2022 alone, over 180,000 Nigerian children under five years of age succumbed to the disease, which he described as a preventable tragedy.
“Malaria is not just a health crisis; it is an economic and developmental emergency. The annual loss to Nigeria’s GDP from malaria exceeds $1.1 billion, highlighting the economic imperative of elimination,” the minister said.
The creation of AMEN, Prof. Pate noted, is a bold step to address the disease that undermines both health and economic growth. He said malaria elimination is a key pillar of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.
The Minister stressed the importance of grassroots support and behaviour change to complement the work of AMEN. He highlighted the role of traditional and religious leaders in advocating for the use of insecticide-treated nets, chemoprevention, and vaccines, as outlined in the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2021–2025.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, commended the voluntary efforts of the advisory group composed of global health experts and key stakeholders.
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He emphasized the importance of evidence-based strategies in reducing malaria prevalence and mortality while setting Nigeria on the path to becoming malaria-free.
“With Nigeria having the highest malaria burden globally, the disease significantly contributes to morbidity, mortality, economic hardship, food insecurity, and poverty. Its control and elimination are central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s priority agenda, particularly regarding food security and poverty reduction,” Dr. Salako stated.
Rethinking Malaria Elimination
The Minister outlined Nigeria’s strategy, emphasising the adoption of innovative approaches under the “Rethinking Malaria Elimination” framework.
“Key initiatives include enhanced surveillance systems, community engagement, the use of innovative technologies, and expanding private sector involvement. These steps are intended to address emerging challenges such as drug resistance and the effects of climate change on malaria control efforts,” he added.
Sector-Wide Approach
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Dr. Salako called for a Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) to foster harmonized efforts among government agencies, private sector partners, and international organisations.
“Leveraging on high-level political commitment, technical expertise, and robust coordination, we can accelerate malaria elimination activities and expand access to prevention and treatment services,” he noted.
Learning from the Past
Dr. Salako also acknowledged past challenges, referencing the shortfalls of previous initiatives such as the National Malaria Strategic Plan and the Nigeria End Malaria Council.
He urged stakeholders to learn from these experiences and focus on achieving the immediate goal of reducing malaria prevalence and mortality rates to below 10% by 2025.
Dr. Salako thanked participants for their dedication to public health, expressing confidence in the collective resolve to translate the malaria-free vision into reality.
“Together, we can move from vision to action, ensuring a healthier, more prosperous future for all Nigerians,” he added.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, represented by Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, Director of Public Health, commended the renewed commitment of the administration to malaria elimination.
She noted that AMEN would focus on evidence-based strategies, securing priority in government budgets, and fostering accountability to sustain progress.
AMEN Initiative
AMEN, under the leadership of globally renowned expert Prof. Rose Leke, aims to chart a path toward malaria elimination by addressing systemic challenges, integrating multi-sectoral efforts, and driving Nigeria’s health sector transformation.
Aligned with the global vision of the World Health Organisation, the initiative underscores Nigeria’s pivotal role in the global malaria eradication agenda, with stakeholders renewing their commitment to collaborate towards achieving a malaria-free Nigeria.
The Federal Government called on all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, religious groups, and the private sector, to intensify efforts toward making malaria elimination a national priority.
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