Africa richest man Aliko Dangote has assured Nigerians that he is committed to mobilising efforts and resources both within the private sector as well as from other sectors to help eliminate malaria and address epidemics like the current COVID19.
In a statement to mark the World Malaria Day (WMD), which has the theme “Zero Malaria Starts with everyone of us”, called on all stakeholders, public sector, private sectors, donors, non-governmental organisations and others to redouble their commitments and join him in the cause.
While applauding Nigerians resiliency in the fight against COVID19 pandemic, he said Malaria remains a top killer in Sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria accounts for a quarter and 24% of global malaria cases and deaths respectively.
“This means that one of every four persons affected by malaria lives in Nigeria” He said.
While acknowledging that the statistics are terrible, the good news is that Nigeria made lots of progress between 2010 and 2018, reducing the malaria prevalence among children from 42% to 23%.
Dangote, who is the United Nations (UN) Malaria Ambassador for Nigeria, also reiterated the need for all concerned not to rest on their oars towards eliminating malaria in Nigeria, saying the most vulnerable groups are children and women of reproductive age.
He said “We must continue to protect them with lifesaving tools and prioritise safe delivery and uptake of essential malaria interventions.
Dangote said during a public health crisis like the one we have in our hands now, that is the COVID19, it is easy to forget what a huge threat Nigeria has for all of us, especially the poorest and the most vulnerable like children and pregnant women.
“We must not allow the giant strides we have made in reducing the burden of malaria in our community and nation at large slide, even in the face of the pandemic. Malaria services must continue” He said.
