Dangote, Otedola, Elumelu to Lead Nigeria’s Malaria Eradication Efforts

Dangote, Otedola, Elumelu to Lead Nigeria’s Malaria Eradication Efforts

The Federal Government has enlisted the support of prominent business leaders, including Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, and Tony Elumelu, in its renewed efforts to eradicate malaria in Nigeria.

Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, announced the formation of the Nigeria End Malaria Council during its inauguration on Friday in Abuja.

The council, chaired by Dangote, will collaborate with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, National Assembly joint Health Committees, and women’s organizations to combat the disease.

Alausa emphasized the urgency of tackling malaria, which continues to significantly impact Nigeria’s population, contributing to high mortality rates among children and pregnant women.

He noted that Nigeria accounts for over 25% of global malaria cases and about one-third of malaria deaths worldwide.

“The Nigeria End Malaria Council was established to keep malaria high on national agendas, secure strong political commitment, and mobilize resources, particularly from the private sector, to close funding gaps in the national malaria strategic plan,” Alausa said.

He explained that while current interventions, such as antimalarial medicines and treated nets, are essential, they remain insufficient, and the heavy reliance on donor support is unsustainable.

He called for a more comprehensive approach, leveraging private-sector partnerships to fund and implement malaria eradication programs.

The minister officially handed over leadership of the council to Dangote, who has previously served as Nigeria’s Malaria Ambassador and a member of the Global End Malaria Council.

Dangote, in his remarks, urged the council to take decisive action to eliminate malaria, highlighting the importance of sustained political commitment and adequate funding.

“We must ensure that malaria eradication remains a top priority in Nigeria and that we secure sufficient resources to make this vision a reality,” he said.

With a population of over 200 million people, Nigeria’s entire population is at risk of malaria, creating an immense challenge for the government and stakeholders.

The newly inaugurated council aims to lead efforts in reducing malaria cases and deaths, improving the overall quality of life for Nigerians.

The reports gathered that the council members will work to mobilize the necessary resources to ensure that malaria is eliminated in the country.