As the World commemorates Malaria Day 2021, the Nigerian government has set a new target to reduce malaria prevalence rate and mortality to less than 50 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2025
The country’s Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire who announced this at a press briefing to commemorate World Malaria Day in Abuja, the nation’s capital explained that about N1.89 trillion would be needed to achieve the target.
He said that the country has witnessed a reduction in Malaria prevalence in recent times, a success attributable to government efforts and the cooperation of citizens.
“Fever testing amongst children under 5 increased from 5% in 2015 to 11% in 2013, to 13% in 2015 and 14% in 2018; but this is still very low
“Malaria prevalence rate reduced from 42% in 2010 to 27% in 2015 and to 23% in 2018, we expect that when the results of 2021 Malaria indicator survey which will be conducted later this year are out, a further downward trend in prevalence will be observed.
“We will continue to work harder to ensure that we achieve a parasite prevalence of less than 10%,“ he said.
The Health Minister also acknowledged the roles of the private sector in Malaria control in Nigeria, calling for better synergy to eliminate the disease.
On his part, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Adeleke Mamora identified the need for all stakeholders to collaborate in eliminating Malaria, saying “It is a task which must be won.”
The representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Walter Kazadi Molombo stressed the need for collective action across sectors to address the challenges and accelerate progress towards ending the Malaria scourge in Nigeria.
“WHO is committed to continuing the partnership with the Nigerian government and all other Malaria partners through the provision of technical support and innovation towards the attainment of set target as well as leveraging on Nigeria’s primary health care strengthening initiatives to Malaria control,” Molombo stated.
Representatives from UNICEF, USAID and Bill And Melinda Gates Foundation gave commitments to collaborate with Nigeria in the elimination of Malaria in the country.
The theme for the 2021 World Malaria Day is “Zero Malaria – Draw the Line Against Malaria.”
PIAK
