In an effort to eliminate malaria in Nigeria, the Federal Government has sought the assistance of influential business figures.

The government announced that Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group; Femi Otedola, Chairman of Geregu Power Plc; and Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, will spearhead the initiative against the disease.

On Friday in Abuja, Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, officially launched the Nigeria End Malaria Council. Mr. Alausa indicated that these industry leaders will work in conjunction with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), the National Assembly's joint Health Committees, and various women’s organizations.

He stated that the government has charged these appointees with the mission of significantly reducing, and potentially eradicating, malaria in the nation.

The minister highlighted the critical need to tackle the high prevalence of malaria, which prompted the formation of the council. He noted that the widespread nature of the disease necessitates the exploration of all possible solutions to combat it.

“The Nigeria End Malaria Council was established on Aug. 16, 2017 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Its primary objectives are to keep malaria high on national and state agendas, and secure strong political commitment from leaders.

“It is also to mobilise resources, particularly from the private sector, to close resource gaps in the national malaria strategic plan,” he said.

The council has been unable to convene since 2022 due to governmental changes and operational challenges. However, the Secretariat remains functional.

The country accounts for over a quarter of global malaria cases and approximately a third of the more than 600,000 malaria-related deaths worldwide, primarily affecting children and pregnant women.

“It is sad to note that malaria contributes about 25 per cent to 30 per cent of childhood mortality and about 60 per cent of hospital attendance.

“Similarly, malaria is a major cause of absenteeism in schools, markets, and workplaces, as well as a significant out-of-pocket expense for most households in the country,” he said.

He also recalled Nigeria's participation in the Ministerial Conference on Malaria held in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Alongside ten other countries heavily burdened by malaria, Nigeria signed a declaration to enhance interventions against the disease.

Subsequently, the “Rethinking Malaria Elimination in Nigeria” roundtable convened key stakeholders and international experts to pinpoint challenges and develop strategies for malaria eradication.

Drawing attention to the magnitude of the challenge at hand, it is crucial to acknowledge that Nigeria’s current population exceeds 200 million, rendering the entire populace vulnerable to the threat of malaria.

This presents a significant challenge for the Government and necessitates a new strategy to address the disease, he stated.

He also recognized that although existing measures such as antimalarial drugs and protective tools like treated nets and insecticides are crucial, they are not enough on their own.

He emphasized that a substantial portion of the funding for these interventions relies on donors, which is neither sufficient nor sustainable.

Alausa highlighted the establishment of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) in 2009 and the introduction of the Malaria Scorecard in 2011, which are essential tools for assessing the nation's progress.

He emphasized that no nation has successfully eradicated malaria solely through external funding.

The minister transferred the leadership of the Council to Dangote, who has previously held the position of Nigeria’s Malaria Ambassador and is a member of the Global End Malaria Council.

He expressed optimism regarding the newly formed Council. In detailing the Council’s vital mission, he stated, “The primary aim of this organization is to help reduce the malaria burden and potentially eradicate malaria in Nigeria.”

The minister noted that the elimination of malaria would significantly enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians.

"Given your roles in Nigeria, your dedication to health matters, particularly concerning malaria, and the various interest groups you represent, your inclusion in this Council is essential for the greater good of society," he stated.

The Nigeria End Malaria Council Secretariat, under the leadership of Executive Secretary Ope Abegunde, has officially been transferred to the Council, demonstrating the government's dedication to eradicating malaria in Nigeria.

During the Council's inaugural meeting, Mr. Dangote called on members to confront malaria directly.

He recognized the collective strength of the members from government, civil society, religious organizations, and the business sector, emphasizing their exceptional capacity to mobilize resources for the national malaria initiative.

He also articulated the Council's key goals, which include keeping malaria elimination a priority on Nigeria's agenda.

However, he stressed that achieving this would require robust political commitment from leaders at all levels, along with advocacy efforts at both national and state levels to secure adequate funding.

Mr. Dangote encouraged the Council to remain vigilant in safeguarding the progress achieved thus far, ensuring its sustainability, and committing to an irreversible path toward the complete eradication of malaria.

“I want to appreciate your acceptance to serve our beloved country in this capacity, and I am glad to join hands with you to reduce the burden and deaths due to malaria in Nigeria,” he said