By Jesusemen Oratokhai
Nigeria is losing more than $1.1 billion annually due to malaria, according to Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare.
He made this revelation during the first meeting of the Advisory on Malaria Elimination in Abuja, emphasizing that malaria is not only a health issue but also an economic and developmental crisis requiring urgent attention.
In a statement from the ministry, Pate highlighted that Nigeria accounts for 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of malaria-related deaths.
He also revealed that in 2022, over 180,000 Nigerian children under five years old died from malaria—deaths that could have been prevented with proper intervention.
“This is not just a health crisis; it’s an economic emergency,” Pate stated. “Malaria reduces productivity, increases healthcare costs, and exacerbates poverty.
The annual economic loss exceeds $1.1 billion, underscoring the urgency of eliminating this disease.”
Pate further explained that malaria elimination is a central component of the government’s Health Sector Renewal Investment plan, aligning with the administration’s broader health goals.
He also stressed the importance of engaging traditional and religious leaders in spreading awareness and driving behavior change at the community level.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, also spoke at the event, describing the newly formed advisory body as a team of experts who will provide guidance on reducing the country’s malaria burden.
Salako emphasized that success in the fight against malaria will require collaboration among the government, healthcare workers, the private sector, and communities.
The advisory team, led by Prof. Rose Leke, consists of global malaria experts dedicated to finding evidence-based solutions to current challenges.
Their goal is to ensure that malaria elimination remains a priority in government budgets and plans, with accountability measures to track progress.
