Nigeria loses $1.1 billion annually to malaria crisis: health minister

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, has revealed that malaria costs Nigeria over $1.1 billion in annual gross domestic product (GDP) losses.

He made this statement at the inaugural meeting of the Consultative Body for the Elimination of Malaria in Nigeria (AMEN) held in Abuja.

A statement issued on Tuesday by the ministry’s deputy director of information and public relations, Alaba Balogun, said Pate had described malaria as not just a health crisis, calling it “an economic and developmental emergency that must be eliminated.

He highlighted the disproportionate burden of malaria in Nigeria, saying malaria continues to pose an unacceptable burden. With 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of global malaria-related deaths.

“Our country bears the heaviest burden of this disease. In 2022, more than 180,000 Nigerian children under the age of five will lose their lives to malaria – a tragedy we have the tools to prevent. “Pate lamented.

He further said that it is not only a health crisis but also an economic and developmental emergency. “Malaria reduces productivity, increases direct health expenditure and worsens poverty challenges. Nigeria’s annual GDP loss due to malaria exceeds $1.1 billion, highlighting the urgent economic need to eradicate the disease.

In unveiling the advisory body, Pate highlighted its mission to decisively fight malaria. “Nigeria’s annual GDP loss underscores the economic imperative for elimination. » he added.

The initiative aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which is part of the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda to transform the health sector.

While recognizing the urgency of the task, as reflected in the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2021-2025, aiming in particular to reduce the prevalence of malaria to less than 10 percent and to halve malaria-related mortality 50 deaths per 1,000 live births; Pate also highlighted the importance of traditional and religious leaders in generating grassroots support and influencing behavior change.

This advocacy approach, he stressed, will complement AMEN, by promoting the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, chemoprevention and vaccines.

Collaboration as a key driver

Minister of State for Health and Social Protection, Dr Iziaq Salako, welcomed the establishment of the advisory body, describing it as a team of globally recognized experts.

“The advisory group will propose evidence-based strategies to reduce the burden of malaria, prioritize elimination in government budgets and chart realistic pathways towards a malaria-free Nigeria.“said Salako.

He added that success depends on the coordinated efforts of private sector stakeholders, international partners, health professionals and communities.

The Advisory Council on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (AMEN) is comprised of world-renowned experts under the leadership of Professor Rose Leke and is charged with refocusing on advancing evidence-based solutions that address current challenges , ensuring that malaria elimination is a priority in budgets. and plans of all levels of government and create accountability frameworks that ensure sustainable progress.