Sodiq Ojuroungbe
The United States Agency for International Development has reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment and support for Nigeria in the fight against malaria.
The USAID’s Deputy Mission Director, Sara Werth stated that since 2011, the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative has been a resolute partner in Nigeria’s fight against malaria, providing substantial financial contributions totaling $914 million, including $73 million in 2023 alone.
In an event organised to commemorate World Malaria Day in Abuja, Werth commended the collaborative efforts between the Federal Ministry of Health and the United States government.
PUNCH Healthwise reports that the 2024 World Malaria Day is celebrated on April 25, with the theme, ‘Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world’.
According to the World Health Organisation, malaria is a life-threatening disease with mild or life-threatening symptoms such as fever, cold, headaches, fatigue and difficulty in breathing, among other symptoms.
The WHO stressed that Africa carries a high incidence rate of the global malaria burden with about 233 million cases and 580,000 deaths.
WHO estimated that Nigeria had nearly 67 million cases in 2022, accounting for 27 per cent of the global malaria burden, adding that Nigeria accounted for 31 per cent of global deaths and 38 per cent of global deaths in children under the age of five.
Speaking further during Nigeria’s annual World Malaria Day commemoration, USAID’s Deputy Director Werth emphasised the importance of leveraging data and evidence to drive more efficient and effective malaria programming, ultimately striving towards a future where no Nigerian family lives in fear of the devastating disease.
She added that in 2023, USAID through PMI funding and programmes, made a tangible impact on the ground.
According to her, over the course of the year, a total of 13.4 million bed nets, 6 million fast-acting medicines, and 11.8 million Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests were distributed to clinics and communities across Nigeria.
She further said more than 7,200 health workers received specialized training to bolster their skills in malaria detection, treatment, and community outreach efforts.
“As we reflect on the challenges and triumphs in our collective battle against malaria, let us reaffirm our commitment to a future where no family in Nigeria fears the threat of this disease.
“I urge the government of Nigeria to invest in making malaria programming more efficient and effective using data and other evidence to inform malaria implementation and drive faster results.”
PMI’s Annual Report, released on Wednesday, showcases how PMI is supporting partner countries, such as Nigeria, to advance the fight against malaria and create more effective and resilient health systems.
The U.S. Global Malaria Coordinator, Dr David Walton added, “I commend the energy, dedication, and ingenuity of those working on the front lines to protect their communities from malaria. The United States is committed to working hand in hand with the people of Nigeria as we pursue our joint vision of a malaria-free future.”
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