The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has disclosed that malaria continues to take a staggering toll on Nigeria’s economy, costing the nation over $1.1 billion in annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) losses.
He made this known during the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Body on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (AMEN) held in Abuja. The meeting emphasized the urgency of addressing malaria as both a health and economic emergency.
The Burden of Malaria in Nigeria
Prof. Pate described malaria as “an economic and developmental emergency that must be eliminated.” He highlighted Nigeria’s disproportionate share of the global malaria burden, accounting for:
- 27% of global malaria cases
- 31% of malaria-related deaths worldwide
In 2022 alone, over 180,000 children under five died from malaria in Nigeria, a tragedy Pate stressed could have been prevented with existing tools.
Economic and Developmental Impact
The minister underscored malaria’s far-reaching consequences:
- Reduced productivity
- Increased out-of-pocket healthcare expenses
- Worsened poverty levels
He emphasized that eliminating malaria is not just a health priority but an economic necessity, as the annual GDP loss of $1.1 billion underscores the need for immediate action.
Formation of the Advisory Body
The Advisory Body on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (AMEN) was launched as part of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, aligning with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to transform the health sector.
AMEN’s objectives include:
- Advancing evidence-based strategies to reduce malaria prevalence.
- Prioritizing malaria elimination in government budgets and plans.
- Promoting accountability frameworks to ensure sustained progress.
The advisory body comprises globally renowned experts and is led by Prof. Rose Leke.
National Malaria Strategic Plan
Pate referenced the National Malaria Strategic Plan (2021–2025), which aims to:
- Reduce malaria prevalence to below 10%.
- Halve malaria-related mortality to 50 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Traditional and religious leaders will play a key role in driving grassroots support and influencing behavior changes. Advocacy efforts will focus on:
- Promoting insecticide-treated nets.
- Supporting chemoprevention and vaccination campaigns.
Collaboration for Success
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, commended the creation of AMEN, describing it as a team of experts poised to deliver actionable strategies.
He stressed that success in combating malaria requires collaboration between:
- Private sector stakeholders.
- International partners.
- Healthcare workers.
- Communities.
“Together, we can chart a realistic path toward a malaria-free Nigeria,” Dr. Salako concluded.
The Way Forward
With robust strategies, targeted investments, and coordinated efforts, Nigeria is positioning itself to combat malaria effectively. The formation of AMEN marks a significant step towards achieving the goal of a malaria-free nation, ensuring both economic and developmental growth.
