Nigeria Needs 1.89tn To Fight Malaria – FG

The Federal Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, has said Nigeria needs over a trillion naira to effectively fight malaria in the country.

He explained that of the total sum that the country to fight the disease in 2021 alone is more than N350 billion.

The Minister disclosed this on Friday during a news conference in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

 “The implementation of the new strategic plan will cost N1.89 trillion; about N352 billion is required for the year 2021 programme implementation,” he told journalists ahead of the World Malaria Day which is to hold on Sunday.

The minister added, “The theme of this year’s commemoration is Zero Malaria – Draw the Line Against Malaria, and the slogan ‘Stand Up, Take Action’ which is to empower communities in various countries to take ownership of preventing malaria and providing proper care and treatment to those in need, are germane.”

READ ALSO: Two Made In Nigeria COVID-19 Vaccines Await Clinical Trials – Osagie Ehanire

Ehanire acknowledged that the Federal Government does not have the adequate amount required to fight the disease this year.

The Minister attributed this to the prevailing economic circumstances occasioned by the covid-19 pandemic, adding that it is the same in other countries.

He then called on private sectors, various corporate organizations, and patriotic individuals to support the government in the fight against Malaria.

The Minister explained that the government was working to establish a Malaria Council to drive the domestic funding for the elimination of the disease.

He added that the commemoration of World Malaria Day provides the government with opportunity to share the progress made best practices and create awareness on the scourge of malaria.

  PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: We Cannot Force Anyone To Take COVID-19 Vaccine – Sultan of Sokoto

Malaria is the disease caused by a parasite spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes, kills more than 400,000 people a year, mostly children in sub-Saharan Africa.

Experts across the world have stepped up efforts to combat the disease, a recent study showed that malaria vaccine from Oxford Institute is 77 percent effective for the treatment of COVID-19.

The study which was conducted by Oxford University and released on Friday indicated that clinical trials had been carried out on 450 children between the age of five to 17 months.

If safety is assured, health authorities said it will become the key weapon in eliminating the disease, which is responsible for half a million deaths a year, mostly children.