Malaria is costing Nigeria over $1.1 billion annually in lost Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making it not just a health crisis but a significant economic and developmental challenge, according to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Advisory on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (AMEN), Minister Pate highlighted the urgent need for coordinated efforts to eliminate malaria, which accounts for 27% of global cases and 31% of global deaths. In 2022 alone, the disease claimed the lives of more than 180,000 Nigerian children under the age of five.
“Malaria reduces productivity, increases healthcare costs, and exacerbates poverty,” he said. “This is an economic and developmental emergency that demands immediate action.”
The minister also emphasized the importance of malaria elimination as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. He noted that efforts such as promoting the use of insecticide-treated nets, expanding access to malaria vaccines, and leveraging the support of traditional and religious leaders are vital for grassroots mobilization and behavioral change.
The newly launched advisory body, AMEN, is composed of global health experts tasked with providing evidence-based solutions to reduce malaria’s impact. The group will focus on ensuring the prioritization of malaria elimination in government budgets, fostering accountability, and coordinating efforts among private sector stakeholders, international partners, and healthcare workers.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, reiterated the importance of the advisory council in guiding Nigeria toward a malaria-free future. He stressed the need for collaboration among all sectors to achieve meaningful progress against the disease.
The introduction of the malaria vaccine in Nigeria is seen as a significant step toward eradicating the disease, offering hope for a future where malaria no longer poses a threat to the nation’s health and economy.
