The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating malaria by 2030.
At the launch of the Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitisation programme in Lagos, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stated the government’s determination to achieve this goal.
He said combined effort with the federal government’s initiatives will drive Nigeria’s progress towards malaria elimination.
The event was attended by stakeholders, including the World Bank, World Health Organisation and Lagos state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The success of the programme is expected to contribute to Nigeria’s efforts to eliminate malaria by 2030.
The programme, initiated by the Lagos state government, aims to improve malaria diagnosis, case management, and tracking through digital health solutions in Lagos state.
“This initiative is part of the Federal Ministry of Health’s “Rethinking Malaria” concept, launched in April 2024.
Lagos state has consistently shown the lowest malaria prevalence in Nigeria, with a 2% prevalence rate in 2021.
“The program’s focus on the private sector is crucial, as approximately 50-60% of patients seek treatment in private health facilities. The initiative also addresses the discrepancy in malaria positivity rates between public and private healthcare sectors.
The minister assured Nigerians that with the recent changes in the US government, global health funding policy will not adversely affect the country’s malaria elimination program as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a mechanism to ensure adequate funding.