The Federal Government of Nigeria has assured citizens that the United States’ temporary halt in healthcare funding will not hinder the country’s efforts to eliminate malaria.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health, emphasized that the government is working on policies to bridge the funding gap, with the administration of President Bola Tinubu committed to the cause.
After his inauguration, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order halting foreign aid temporarily to ensure better alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals under the “America First” agenda. The aid is funneled through the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
This decision raised concerns among health professionals and stakeholders in Nigeria, fearing it could severely impact the country’s health sector. However, speaking at the launch of the *Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitisation Program* in Lagos, Minister Salako assured Nigerians that malaria elimination efforts would continue uninterrupted.
“We are committed to eliminating malaria, and the funding change from the United States will not derail this progress,” Salako said. “The Tinubu administration remains focused on achieving malaria elimination and adhering to global best practices.”
He also urged state governments and relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the federal government to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder efforts to combat malaria and other health issues.
Salako praised Lagos for its initiative, which aligns with national and international malaria control goals, helping reduce under-five mortality rates and improve malaria diagnosis and treatment in the state. Lagos has consistently recorded the lowest malaria prevalence rates in Nigeria, according to malaria indicator surveys.
“Lagos is a model in the fight against malaria, and we are confident this initiative will contribute significantly to Nigeria’s malaria elimination goals,” Salako remarked.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos highlighted the broader socio-economic impact of malaria, stressing that its eradication is crucial not only for health but also for boosting productivity and reducing household financial burdens. “Malaria affects children, businesses, and overall productivity. We must end it,” he said.
Malaria remains a leading cause of death in Nigeria, particularly among pregnant women and children. The National Malaria Elimination Programme reports that malaria causes about 11% of pregnancy-related deaths annually. Furthermore, Nigeria accounts for nearly 20% of global maternal deaths and has one of the highest infant mortality rates worldwide, with 69 deaths per 1,000 live births.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Nigeria contributes to 30.9% of malaria-related deaths in Africa. Malaria remains endemic, with most of the population at risk.
