Society urges improved malaria fight

The Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN) has pleaded with the Federal Government to build resilience of community health systems and address the disproportionate distribution of health workers, especially at the primary healthcare facilities, to fight malaria effectively and sustainably.

The group lamented Nigeria’s high malaria burden and related deaths yearly. ACOMIN’s National Coordinator, Ayo Ipinmoye, who made the call during a meeting in Abuja, observed that when strong health systems are in place, efforts against the disease would be effective and trackable.

He said the most populous black nation has, since 2017, recorded 27 per cent of the global cases and accounted for 23 per cent of deaths, both statistics that are highest worldwide.

Ipinmoye regretted that pregnant women stressing that pregnant women and children under the age of five are most vulnerable groups to the ailment.

Also speaking, National Coordinator, National Malaria Elimination Programme, Dr. Perpetua Uhomoibhi, stated that the 2021 World Malaria Report presents a gloomy picture for Nigeria.

Represented by Head, Advocacy Communication and Social Mobilisation, Ahmed Magaji, the national coordinator acknowledged that efforts by government and partners had yielded some result in malaria response.