Nigeria Contributes Over a Quarter of Global Malaria Cases, Says Health Minister
Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health/Social Welfare, has revealed that Nigeria accounts for more than 25% of the world’s malaria cases. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Nigeria End Malaria Council (NEMC) in Abuja, Alausa highlighted the severe impact of malaria on the country.
The minister described the situation as dire, noting that malaria is responsible for approximately 25-30% of childhood mortality and 60% of hospital visits in Nigeria. He also pointed out that the disease leads to significant absenteeism in schools, markets, and workplaces, and imposes a heavy financial burden on many households.
The NEMC meeting also saw the formation of a new team aimed at tackling malaria in Nigeria. The team includes prominent figures such as Aliko Dangote, CEO of Dangote Group; business mogul Femi Otedola; and renowned banker Tony Elumelu.
Dr. Alausa expressed his commitment to reducing the malaria burden and potentially eliminating the disease in Nigeria, which would greatly enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians. He emphasized that despite various interventions, including the distribution of antimalarial medicines, treated nets, and insecticides, these efforts have not been sufficient to cover the targeted population effectively.
With Nigeria’s population exceeding 200 million, the minister underscored that malaria remains a significant public health challenge, affecting the entire population. The government’s renewed focus through the NEMC aims to address these challenges and reduce the incidence and impact of malaria in the country.
