Nigeria loses $1.1 billion annually to malaria, Health Minister warns
Nigeria loses over $1.1 billion annually due to malaria, which continues to devastate the nation’s health and economy, according to Professor Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Advisory on Malaria Elimination in Abuja, Pate highlighted that Nigeria bears the highest global burden of the disease, accounting for 27% of malaria cases and 31% of malaria-related deaths.
In 2022 alone, over 180,000 children under five died from malaria. Pate stressed the severe economic impact, with malaria reducing productivity and increasing health costs.
The health minister emphasized that eliminating malaria is a key component of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which seeks to transform the country’s health system in line with the government’s renewed hope agenda.
In reaction to the concerning statistics, Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, expressed confidence in the newly established advisory group.
“This group, made up of globally recognized experts, will offer evidence-based solutions to reduce Nigeria’s malaria burden and work towards a malaria-free future,” he stated.
The advisory body, chaired by Prof. Rose Leke, will focus on actionable strategies for malaria elimination, highlighting the need for private sector involvement, international partnerships, and community engagement.
Prof. Leke stressed that a successful malaria elimination plan must prioritize the disease in national budgets and establish robust accountability frameworks.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at NeptunePrime.
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