This urgent call was made by the Chairman of PSN-FCT, Ms Salamatu Orakwelu, in a statement released to journalists on Sunday, commemorating the 2025 World Malaria Day (WMD).
Ms Orakwelu emphasized the timeliness and urgency of this year's World Malaria Day theme: ‘Malaria Ends with Us – Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite’. She asserted that achieving the goal of a malaria-free Nigeria necessitates a substantial increase in financial investment directed towards malaria control programs at all levels.
Beyond just increased funding, the PSN-FCT Chairman also passionately advocated for stronger support for critical research initiatives aimed at developing innovative malaria interventions. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of ensuring improved access to high-quality antimalarial medications for all citizens, coupled with the establishment of more robust and efficient supply chains to guarantee their availability where and when needed.
Recognizing the crucial role of community engagement in disease prevention, Ms Orakwelu also called for enhanced community-based malaria prevention efforts. This includes scaling up awareness campaigns, promoting the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, and implementing effective environmental management strategies to reduce mosquito breeding sites within communities across the FCT and the nation.
The PSN-FCT's call for amplified domestic funding underscores the understanding that sustainable malaria elimination requires a long-term commitment and a significant financial outlay from within Nigeria itself. By reinvesting in control programs, reimagining strategies, and reigniting efforts, the pharmaceutical body believes that Nigeria can make significant strides towards ending the burden of malaria.