…set to change approach
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed that Nigeria has made significant progress in the fight against malaria in the recent years.
However, the Ministry said that more collaborative efforts are required to strengthen the fight and achieve the desired improved result in the fight against malaria.
National Coordinator, National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Dr. Godwin Ntadon, gave the charge in Abuja, on Thursday, at an event to mark the 2024 World Malaria Day with the theme “accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world”.
He disclosed that plans are underway to review and launch new approach to the fight against malaria, adding that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, Partners and several other stakeholders involve in the fight against malaria would be part of the review to ensure that adequate result is achieved.
Country Representative, World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Walter Kazadi Molumbo, who was represented by Dr. Alex Chimbaru, Deputy Country Representative, in his remarks, said the theme of the event resonates deeply with the ongoing efforts to combat malaria.
“This year, let us collectively recommit to changing the narrative and ushering in a new era of progress and equity in our battle against malaria.
“Over the years, malaria has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable populations, namely, pregnant women, infants, children under five years of age, refugees, migrants, and internally displaced people, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequity.
“Climate change and humanitarian emergencies, including natural disasters and conflicts in malaria-endemic countries, are displacing populations, making them vulnerable to the disease. This reduces opportunities for accessing preventive and treatment services by these groups thus hindering progress on achieving the vision of a malaria-free world.”
He insisted that the fight against malaria is not just a health issue, but a matter of social justice and human rights. “By accelerating our efforts to expand access to life-saving interventions, improve health systems, and address the underlying determinants of malaria transmission, we can create a more equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We also need to bring the communities in the planning and prevention of malaria.
“Let’s change the narrative now and work together to overcome the challenges that stand in the way of malaria elimination. Through collective action, innovation, and unwavering commitment, we can achieve our shared goal of a malaria-free future for all.”
He suggested development of surveillance, monitoring and evaluation systems to generate reliable and sub-national data to target interventions and adapt services to the most at-risk groups, accelerating progress toward achieving the SDGs.
Representatives from UNICEF, Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation, and several other partners made several pledges towards the fight against malaria in Nigeria.
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