The federal government said Nigeria loses over $1.1 billion annually to malaria, significantly impacting the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
This was disclosed by the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, during the inaugural meeting of the Advisory on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (AMEN) in Abuja.
Prof. Pate described malaria as not only a health crisis but also an economic and developmental emergency that must be addressed urgently.
He noted that Nigeria accounts for 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of global malaria-related deaths.
- Like Senate, Reps recommend removal of Umar as CCT chair
- Bauchi: APC guber candidate’s associate defects to PDP
He said in 2022 alone, over 180,000 Nigerian children under the age of five lost their lives to malaria, a preventable tragedy.
The minister said the launch of the advisory board is a strategic move by the federal government to tackle the persistent issues surrounding malaria and its devastating effects on both health and economic growth.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
