The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has revealed that malaria costs Nigeria over $1.1 billion annually in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) losses. He shared this during the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Body on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria held in Abuja.
In a statement by Alaba Balogun, the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations for the ministry, Prof. Pate described malaria as more than just a health issue. He called it an economic and developmental emergency requiring urgent action.
“Malaria imposes an unacceptable toll on Nigeria, accounting for 27% of global cases and 31% of global malaria deaths. Tragically, over 180,000 Nigerian children under five years old died from malaria in 2022—deaths that could have been prevented,” Pate stated.
He emphasized the broader impacts of malaria, including reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs, and exacerbated poverty. “The annual GDP loss from malaria exceeds $1.1 billion, highlighting the urgent need to eliminate this disease,” he added.
The minister further explained that malaria elimination is a key component of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He stressed the importance of engaging traditional and religious leaders to mobilize grassroots support and foster behavioral change.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, also spoke at the event. He underscored the role of the advisory body, comprising globally recognized experts led by Prof. Rose Leke. Their mission is to provide evidence-based recommendations to reduce Nigeria’s malaria burden and set the nation on the path to a malaria-free future.
“For us to achieve success, we must harness and coordinate efforts from the private sector, international partners, healthcare workers, and local communities,” Salako remarked.
The advisory body aims to prioritize malaria elimination in government budgets and plans, develop accountability frameworks, and ensure sustainable progress toward eradicating the disease.
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