The Federal Government of Nigeria has mobilized prominent business figures to spearhead its efforts to combat malaria in the country.
Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group; Femi Otedola, Chairman of Geregu Power Plc; and Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, have been appointed to lead the charge against the disease.
The announcement was made by Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, during the inauguration of the Nigeria End Malaria Council in Abuja. The council was originally established on August 16, 2017, by former President Muhammadu Buhari, with the goal of keeping malaria at the forefront of national and state agendas and mobilizing resources from the private sector to support malaria eradication efforts.
Alausa emphasized the urgent need to address the high prevalence of malaria in Nigeria, which contributes significantly to global malaria cases and deaths. He highlighted that malaria causes 25% to 30% of childhood mortality and accounts for 60% of hospital visits in Nigeria. Additionally, the disease impacts school attendance and creates substantial financial burdens for households.
The minister acknowledged the importance of current interventions, such as antimalarial medicines and protective measures like treated nets and insecticides, but stressed that these efforts alone are insufficient. He noted that donor support has been vital but not sustainable for long-term success.
The council will collaborate with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the National Assembly’s Health Committees, and various women’s organizations to address malaria effectively. Dangote, who has previously served as Nigeria’s Malaria Ambassador and is a member of the Global End Malaria Council, will lead the council’s efforts.
Dangote urged the council members to leverage their collective strength across government, civil society, religion, and business to mobilize resources and ensure malaria remains a top priority. He called for strong political commitment and advocacy to secure necessary funding and sustain progress in malaria eradication.
The council’s efforts aim to significantly reduce malaria burden and potentially eliminate the disease in Nigeria, improving the quality of life for millions of Nigerians. The newly inaugurated Nigeria End Malaria Council is expected to play a crucial role in this ambitious public health initiative.