The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating malaria, recognising the disease as a critical public health challenge.

With efforts focused on reducing the prevalence and impact of malaria, the government aims to strengthen strategies that will accelerate progress towards a malaria-free nation.

Dr Iziaq Salako, minister of state for health and social welfare, said this on Sunday in Abuja, in a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, deputy director of information and public relations of the ministry.

Mr Salako reaffirmed the government’s commitment to malaria elimination, adding that it remained a priority in President Bola Tinubu’s administration due to its socio-economic impact.

He spoke while receiving a delegation of the Malaria Consortium, led by Dr Nnenna Ogbulafor, national coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP).

The minister highlighted the government’s progress in tackling malaria through its Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) initiative.

“This strategy fosters collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-national governments, enabling better tracking of annual operations and implementation plans at the state level under a unified healthcare policy,” he said

He also underscored the role of digital health initiatives in streamlining malaria interventions, describing the initiative as crucial for creating a centralised health data repository.

Commending the consortium for its independent assessments of government interventions, the minister pointed to the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) as a key driver in strengthening primary healthcare, including malaria management

“We have the Digital in Health initiative, a nationwide effort to digitalise healthcare at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

“The BHCPF covers malaria, and under this administration, its management has been reorganised to ensure more regular fund disbursement.

“I appreciate your feedback from field assessments, and I assure you that Nigeria will continue to value and support the Malaria Consortium in delivering on its mandate,” he said.

Recognising the malaria consortium as a critical global partner, Mr Salako reiterated the ministry’s appreciation for its contributions to malaria eradication in Nigeria.

Meanwhile,  Dr Kolawole Maxwell, director of programmes at malaria consortium, briefed the minister on the organisation’s research and assessment visits to northern and southern Nigeria.

Mr Maxwell, emphasised the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, particularly in Kano and Osun States, to enhance malaria case management.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to identify incentives and barriers affecting the use of mosquito nets.

“In the first phase, we are working with stakeholders to understand the factors influencing net usage.

“The second phase involves leveraging these findings to develop tailored solutions,” he said.

The announcement highlights the importance of sustained interventions, collaborations, and investments in health systems to achieve this vital goal.

(NAN)