It has been emphasized by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and various stakeholders that the Nigerian Government needs to prioritize investing in data and establishing effective sustainable strategies for malaria eradication in the nation.
During the Ministerial Roundtable Meeting – Rethinking Malaria Elimination in Nigeria in Abuja, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, highlighted the critical significance of possessing precise and dependable data to hasten the battle against malaria within the country.
She emphasized that in order to accelerate Nigeria’s initiatives, there is a necessity for increased investment in data collection from local communities.
Dr. Moeti asserted, “To instigate change within our countries, the primary requisite is political dedication translated into tangible actions, as we are witnessing here in Nigeria through the rise in budget allocation.”
Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, pointed out that the nation is implementing tools capable of lessening the malaria burden.
He appealed for collaboration from partners to invest in malaria management and eradication, which includes the domestic production of anti-malaria medications, underscoring the crucial involvement of community leaders from various sectors since combating malaria necessitates collective endeavors.
The minister expressed, “This also necessitates the involvement of community leaders from diverse sectors, as it requires a unity of Nigerians; no one from Geneva will come to resolve Nigeria’s malaria issue.
“It is the Nigerian leaders at community levels, traditional leaders, religious figures, and business leaders who must unite and work together to combat malaria.”
He emphasized the necessity for Nigerians to transition from idealism to practicality by understanding what is feasible, setting high goals while being realistic to deviate from routine practices.