The outstanding industrial of Africa, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has requested greater participation of the private sector and sustainable financing in the war of the continent against malaria, describing the disease as an economic and public health crisis that steals Africa of its people and productivity.
Dangote, who joined virtually in the ‘great impulse against the Malaria Summit’ in Abuja, said that malaria is still preventable, treatable and, ultimately, detained, but emphasized that collective determination and investment should accelerate progress.
He observed that: “For too long, malaria has affected our people, particularly our children, pregnant women and vulnerable communities.
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“But we are not helpless. The time to fight is now. Nigeria is progressing, but there is much more to do,” said Dangote, who also serves as president of the Malaria Council in the end of Nigeria.
Therefore, he urged governments, development partners and private sector to expand investments in malaria eradication, noting that sustainable financing and local property would be crucial to free African nations from the grip of the disease.
According to the World Malaria Report 2024, Nigeria has the heaviest global malaria load, representing 26.6% of cases and 31% of deaths worldwide. Africa in general contributes to 94% of global cases and 95% of deaths, with children under five more affected.
Despite some progress, including the 55% reduction of Nigeria in malaria deaths since 2000, the speakers of the Abuja summit agreed that without greater financing, political commitment and solutions led by Africa, the continent runs the risk of losing the elimination objective of 2030.
Also speaking, the Cameron delegation, which spoke on behalf of the World Fund, reaffirmed its association with Nigeria, revealing that more than $ 2 billion have been invested in response to malaria to date, with additional $ 500 million committed between 2024 and 2026.
These resources, according to the global fund, are being channeled to vector control, preventive treatments for children and interventions promoted by technology to improve planning and coverage.
In his comments, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, representative of Nigeria, Uche Anaowu, who echoed the urgency of the renewed political will, recalled Bill Gates’ challenge that malaria could join smallpox as one of the few diseases that were eradicated.
“We know that malaria is preventable, we know it is treatable, and if we act together, we know that it is expire. No country or couple can achieve this alone, but collectively we can,” said Anaowu.
In his speech, the Minister of Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, who warned that Africa is out of the way by fulfilling the objective of eliminating from the malaria of 2030, cited emerging threats such as the resistance to insecticides, humanitarian crises, climate change and shortage of funds, urging a “great impulse” coordinated to overcome the fraud.
Similarly, Hon. Linda Ogar, president of the Committee of the AIDS Chamber, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM), denounced what described “a vicious circle of endless meetings” with little to show. She proposed a multiple disease agency to address malaria, HIV and tuberculosis simultaneously, with the financing of tobacco, alcohol, telecommunications taxes and a part of consolidated income.
Civil society and that ask for inclusion
Civil society representatives promised to act as “foot soldiers” of the malaria elimination campaign, but demanded decision -making seats at all levels.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also urged African leaders to translate commitments into action, emphasizing the need for stronger health systems, mobilization of local resources and innovations.
When presenting the final comments, Alhaji Dangote stressed the urgency of mobilizing all interested parties, saying: “That this meeting is a turning point. The private sector, the government, civil society and our international partners must align. Together, we can put an end to malaria in our lives.”
According to the organizers, the Abuja Summit continues with technical sessions focused on financing strategies, innovative interventions and extension of community -driven solutions in Africa.
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