Nigeria’s Malaria Crisis: $1.1 Billion Loss Annually, Health Minister Warns

Nigeria is losing over $1.1 billion annually due to the devastating impact of malaria, a disease that continues to ravage the nation’s health sector and economy, according to the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate.

This revelation was made at the inaugural meeting of the Advisory on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria, held in Abuja.

Prof. Pate described malaria as a national crisis, emphasizing that the country bears the largest global burden of the disease, accounting for 27% of malaria cases and 31% of malaria deaths worldwide. “Malaria continues to exert an unacceptable toll on Nigeria. In 2022 alone, over 180,000 Nigerian children under five died from malaria, a tragedy we have the tools to prevent,” he lamented.

He highlighted that the consequences of malaria extend beyond public health, severely affecting the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “Malaria reduces productivity, increases out-of-pocket health expenditures, and compounds the challenges of poverty. The annual loss to Nigeria’s GDP from malaria exceeds $1.1 billion, a stark reminder of the economic imperative of elimination,” Pate stressed.

The health minister underscored that malaria elimination is a crucial element of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which aims to transform the country’s health system in alignment with the government’s renewed hope agenda.

In response to the alarming statistics, Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, expressed optimism over the newly formed advisory body.

“This advisory group, composed of globally renowned experts, will provide evidence-based solutions to reduce Nigeria’s malaria burden and work towards a malaria-free future,” he affirmed.

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The advisory body, led by Prof. Rose Leke, will focus on practical measures for eliminating malaria, emphasizing the importance of integrating private sector efforts, international partnerships, and community involvement.

Prof. Leke reiterated that a successful malaria elimination strategy would require prioritizing the disease in national budgets and establishing strong frameworks for accountability.