The chairman of the board of trustees (BoT) of Malaria Consortium, Prof. Wilfred Mbacham has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against malaria, emphasising the need for sustained collaboration and investment in malaria prevention and treatment.
Mbacham, who recently visited Nigeria on a strategic mission, engaged with government officials, donor partners, implementing organisations and community stakeholders across Kano, Osun and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. His visit underscored Malaria Consortium’s long-standing partnership with the Government of Nigeria and its commitment to eliminating malaria through evidence-based interventions.
During meetings with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Mbacham highlighted Malaria Consortium’s key contributions to malaria control and reiterated its dedication to supporting Nigeria’s malaria eradication agenda.
“Nigeria remains a priority country in the global fight against malaria, and our investment in malaria prevention and treatment interventions is yielding measurable results,” Mbacham stated.
“Through strategic partnerships with government and donors, we will continue to strengthen healthcare systems, ensure equitable access to life-saving interventions, and work towards a malaria-free Nigeria,” he added.
Malaria Consortium’s ongoing programmes in Nigeria span multiple states, including Kano and Osun, where the organisation has implemented: Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) to protect young children, insecticide-treated nets (ITN) distribution to prevent malaria transmission and case management training to equip healthcare workers with diagnostic and treatment skills.
In Kano State, Mbacham met with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Yusuf and the director-general of the State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Nasir Muhammed to review progress in malaria control.
“Kano has seen a remarkable decline in malaria cases among children due to SMC interventions. The partnership with Malaria Consortium has been instrumental in improving child survival rates and strengthening our healthcare system,” Yusuf noted.
Similarly, in Osun State, Malaria Consortium’s efforts have led to significant improvements in malaria outcomes. The state commissioner for health, represented by the permanent secretary, Dr. Iziaq Salako commended the impact of ITN distribution, improved case management and community engagement initiatives.
“We appreciate Malaria Consortium’s technical and financial support in ensuring malaria prevention reaches even the most remote communities,” Salako stated.
Malaria Consortium’s investments in research, innovation and health system strengthening have played a crucial role in reducing malaria prevalence in Nigeria.
“With continued funding from partners and donors, we are reinforcing our efforts to eliminate malaria through community-driven solutions, technology-driven surveillance systems and integrated health programmes,” Mbacham emphasised.
Beyond high-level meetings, Mbacham engaged directly with local communities in malaria-endemic regions, where residents shared their experiences with the disease.
In Ungwan Uku, Kano, a mother of three, Fatima Musa, described the impact of the SMC programme:
“Before this intervention, my children were frequently sick with malaria, which affected their education and well-being. Since they started receiving the malaria prevention drugs, they hardly fall ill. This programme has been life-changing for us.”
In Osun State, local healthcare workers trained by Malaria Consortium expressed appreciation for the capacity-building initiatives that have equipped them with essential skills to combat malaria.
“The training we received has empowered us to provide better healthcare to our communities. We can now identify and treat malaria cases promptly, preventing severe complications,” said Aremu Ayoola Motunrayo, officer-in-charge, Oke-Elu Primary Health Centre, Gbongan.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward malaria elimination, Malaria Consortium remains a pivotal player in achieving this goal. Mbacham’s visit has reinforced the organisation’s long-term commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or economic status, has access to effective malaria prevention and treatment services.
With sustained investments, strategic collaborations, and a community-focused approach, Malaria Consortium is working alongside stakeholders across the country to shape a healthier future for Nigeria.
