Federal Government has called on stakeholders in the health sector to renew their commitment and provide resources to ensure that the fight against malaria in the country is successful.
The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, made the call on Thursday, 25th April 2019, while briefing the press as part of the activities to commemorate 2019 World Malaria Day.
Prof. Adewole said that the fight against malaria did not belong to government alone, every Nigerian had a role to play from artisan on the street to the chief Executive in the office.
“There are simple things that we can do reduce the scourge of malaria (I) Keep our environment clean (ii) Sleep under the long lasting insecticidal treated nets (iii) When feverish please go for a test and (iv) if positive, ensure that you are treated with Artemisinin Combination Therapy(ACT) “
On resources mobilization, the Minister said “I want to use this opportunity to call on all of us to double our efforts in resources mobilization in support of malaria elimination. The huge resources required to combat malaria in the country can only be acquired through contributions from Government, Global Fund for Aids Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), Roll Back Malaria Partners as well as Private Sectors”.
The Minister said malaria was still a public health challenge with Nigeria accounting for 25% burden and 19 % death globally. He said there was strong desire to join hands with all and sundry to eliminate Malaria in Nigeria.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Zero Malaria Starts with Me” and the slogan is “Join Me”.
In his remarks the Chairman, World Malaria Day 2019, Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje appealed to all Nigerians to consider the fight against malaria as a priority.
He called on media and the general public to spread information about Malaria prevention, care and treatment.