In 2023, the United States Agency for International Development, with the support of the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative funding, distributed 13.4 million bed nets, six million fast-acting medicines, and 11.8 million Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests to clinics and communities in Nigeria.
The Deputy Mission Director, Sara Werth, representing the U.S Embassy, shared this information during a statement in honor of World Malaria Day.
World Malaria Day is observed annually on April 25th to acknowledge the global efforts in combating malaria. The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world.’
Malaria, a life-threatening illness caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, is widespread in Nigeria.
According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria recorded almost 67 million malaria cases in 2022, representing 27 percent of the global malaria burden. In the same year, Nigeria also accounted for 31 percent of global deaths and 38 percent of deaths among children below the age of five.
Reports from PUNCH Online mention that the Federal Government is set to convene a high-level meeting with stakeholders on Friday, May 3rd, 2024, to discuss the implementation of the Rethink Malaria Initiative.
This initiative aims to redefine strategies in the battle against malaria in Nigeria.
In the meantime, USAID stated, “The U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative has contributed significantly to saving over 10.6 million lives and preventing 1.7 billion malaria infections globally since 2000. Collaborating with Nigeria since 2011, PMI has provided $914 million to date, including $73 million in 2023.
“Through PMI funding, USAID distributed 13.4 million bed nets, six million fast-acting medicines, and 11.8 million Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests to healthcare facilities and communities in Nigeria in the past year. Moreover, over 7,200 health workers were trained in 2023 to enhance their skills in malaria detection, treatment, and providing essential care to their communities.”
Werth commended the Federal Ministry of Health for its partnership with the U.S government in promoting efficient and effective malaria services for the future.
Reflecting on the collective efforts against malaria, Werth emphasized the importance of eliminating the fear of malaria from every Nigerian family and urged the Nigerian government to invest in data-driven strategies to enhance the efficiency of malaria programs for better outcomes.