The Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to eliminating malaria, emphasizing the disease’s significant impact on public health and the national economy. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, highlighted the government’s progress in combating malaria through initiatives like the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) and the adoption of digital health technologies.
The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating malaria, citing the disease’s significant socio-economic impact on the country. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, emphasised this during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Malaria Consortium, led by Nnenna Ogbulafor, national coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP). Speaking at the meeting, Mr.
Salako stated that malaria elimination remains a top priority under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, given the disease’s impact on public health and the nation’s economy. Nigeria accounts for 27 per cent of global malaria cases and 31 per cent of malaria-related deaths, making it a top priority for the government. Mr. Salako highlighted the government’s progress in combating malaria through the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp), which fosters collaboration between the federal and state governments. He explained that SWAp enabled the ministry to track annual operations and implementation plans at state levels with a unified healthcare policy. He pointed out that adopting digital health initiatives has been critical to creating a central repository centre where information about health data can be accessed. “We have the digital in health initiative. It is a nationwide initiative to digitalise our system at all levels of healthcare: primary, secondary and tertiary,” Mr. Salako said. He also emphasised the importance of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) for primary healthcare in ensuring consistent funding for malaria interventions. “The BHCPF, I believe, covers malaria. And in this government, the management of that fund has been reorganised. We are making the funds available more regularly,” he said. “I am happy that this is what you are observing from the field. I want to assure you that as a country, we will continue to cherish and support the Malaria Consortium to deliver on your mandate.” The minister recognised the significant contributions of the Malaria Consortium as a global brand in addressing challenges around malaria, particularly in a country like Nigeria. In his remarks, the Director of Programmes at the Malaria Consortium, Kolawole Maxwell, shared the outcomes of the organisation’s research and assessment visits across Northern and Southern Nigeria. Mr. Maxwell highlighted innovative approaches, including addressing barriers to using insecticide-treated nets and developing tailored solutions to enhance malaria case management. “We are working with stakeholders to understand what are the incentives and barriers for the use of nets. That is the first phase. The second phase is we are working with them to now use those findings to create what we call prototypes of solutions,” he said.
MALARIA NIGERIA HEALTH GOVERNMENT ELIMINATION SWAP DIGITAL HEALTH
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
When chosen by war, you’ve no right to choose peace, By Owei LakemfaPremium Times - Nigeria'bs leading online newspaper, delivering breaking news and deep investigative reports from Nigeria
Read more »
Nigeria’s 2024 elections: Insights, headwinds and critical takeaways, By Samson ItodoPremium Times - Nigeria'bs leading online newspaper, delivering breaking news and deep investigative reports from Nigeria
Read more »
How to break barriers and explore new frontiers in your research, By Mohammed Dahiru AminuPremium Times - Nigeria'bs leading online newspaper, delivering breaking news and deep investigative reports from Nigeria
Read more »
Nigeria in 2025: A banner without stain, By Femi AdesinaPremium Times - Nigeria'bs leading online newspaper, delivering breaking news and deep investigative reports from Nigeria
Read more »
Nigeria Makes Strides in Malaria Fight with Vaccine RolloutDespite ongoing health challenges, Nigeria celebrates a significant milestone in the fight against malaria with the rollout of the R21 vaccine. The vaccine, administered in two states initially, aims to protect against one of the country's most prevalent diseases. The success of this initiative highlights Nigeria's commitment to improving public health.
Read more »
PDP Reasserts Support for Ewor as Rivers State Chairman Amidst Political TensionsThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its support for Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor as the party chairman in Rivers State, following a court judgment that nullified the 2024 congresses. The decision aligns with the PDP's commitment to upholding court rulings and avoiding a repeat of past political setbacks.
Read more »