Nigerian President Muhammad Buhari has launched a council to combat malaria, appointing Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, as its leader. Africa accounts for the majority of deaths from mosquito-borne diseases, with nearly a third of his victims in Nigeria. However, Africa is struggling to eradicate the disease.
The inauguration of his EMC, Nigeria's Malaria Eradication Council, took place on Tuesday at the presidential ballroom in Abuja.
During the event, Nigerian President Buhari launched his 16-member commission to oversee efforts to eradicate malaria in Nigeria within the next eight years.
He appointed businessman Aliko Dangote as chairman of the group. Dangote runs a non-profit organization that mobilizes private sector support to combat malaria in Africa.
Buhari said the council would advocate for more funding to sustain malaria control projects in the country.
"Today's inauguration ensures that the strong political commitment of leaders at all levels will ensure that malaria eradication remains a priority on our agenda," Buhari said. I was. "If the Council's agenda is well implemented, it will improve quality of life."
According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria alone accounts for about 27% of all malaria cases and malaria deaths worldwide. accounted for 32% of him.
The idea of establishing a country-led council to combat malaria in Africa was born by the African Union General Assembly in 2018 with the goal of eradicating malaria from the continent by 2030. rice field.
Lack Lynda Ozor, director of the WHO malaria program, told VOA on Tuesday that lack of funding and lack of innovation are the main factors slowing progress. For us, this represents the highest political commitment to end malaria.The political commitment we saw yesterday leads to a renewed commitment to accelerate action towards ending this disease,” said Ozor. Told. "Malaria is not just a disease, it is a socio-economic problem. We hope to make progress towards the goal of eradication in the near future." is endemic and primarily affects children under the age of five due to low acquired immunity.
Wellington Oivo, a parasitologist at the University of Lagos, says eradicating malaria will require a multifaceted strategy. He spoke with Lagos-based Channels television station.
"Last year's vaccine approvals pushed all other control measures - vector control, use of effective pharmaceuticals, use of diagnostics to confirm fever prior to treatment, and even redesign of the environment. All the tools will come together,” Oyibo said.
Nigeria is one of more than 20 African countries to launch national responses against malaria, including Kenya, Zambia, Eswatini and Uganda.
