Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, alongside businessmen Femi Otedola and Tony Elumelu have been chosen by the Federal Government to lead the government’s effort to combat the scourge of malaria through the Nigeria End Malaria Council.
Making the announcement in Abuja over the weekend, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, lamented the alarming death rate of Malaria in the country, saying Nigeria contributes almost 25% of the global deaths through malaria. “It is sad to note that malaria contributes about 25 per cent to 30 per cent of childhood mortality and about 60 per cent of hospital attendance.
“Similarly, malaria is a major cause of absenteeism in schools, markets, and workplaces, as well as a significant out-of-pocket expense for most households in the country,” he said.
He announced the council will work closely with the Nigeria’s Governor’s Forum (NGF), National Assembly joint Health Committees and women’s organizations.
He said that they have been tasked with task of reducing, and potentially eliminating the malaria scourge in the country.
According to him, the disease’s prevalence country makes it urgently expedient to explore every option available to address it.
“The Nigeria End Malaria Council was established on August 16, 2017, by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Its primary objectives are to keep malaria high on national and state agendas, and secure strong political commitment from leaders.
It is also to mobilize resources, particularly from the private sector to close resource gaps in the national malaria strategic plan,” he said.
