Chairman of Nigeria's National Malaria Elimination Council (NMEC) and United Nations Malaria Ambassador, Aliko Dangote, has called for urgent and coordinated action between governments and the private sector to eliminate malaria, describing the current moment as critical in the global fight against the disease. Speaking at an event marking World Malaria Day 2026, themed "Driven to end malaria; Now we can... Now we must," Dangote said that although progress has been made, efforts remain uneven, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for more than 90 per cent of the global malaria burden.
He noted that despite advances in prevention and treatment, malaria continues to rank among the world's deadliest diseases, with its impact felt most severely for more than 90 per cent of the global malaria burden.
Children under five, pregnant women, displaced persons and underserved communities remain disproportionately affected, with the disease placing sustained pressure on health systems and economic productivity across the region.
Dangote stressed that while the global response to malaria has recorded measurable gains, significant gaps persist in access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment services.
“Progress against malaria is real, but it remains deeply unequal. Too many people still lack access to life-saving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This gap is unacceptable when the tools to end malaria already exist,” he said.
He added that Africa continues to bear the brunt of the disease, which imposes a heavy toll on communities, economies and already strained healthcare systems.
However, Dangote pointed out that recent scientific advances, improved tools and stronger partnerships have brought the global malaria response to a pivotal stage.
He cited developments such as next-generation vaccines, improved diagnostics and data-driven surveillance systems as evidence that malaria elimination is now more achievable than ever before.
According to him, the priority now is decisive, equitable and large-scale implementation of these tools to accelerate progress.
Dangote also underscored the role of the private sector, noting that coordinated interventions can significantly strengthen national malaria control programmes.
“Aligned and well-coordinated private sector action can deliver measurable impact and significantly reinforce national malaria control programmes,” he said.
He emphasised that no single sector can defeat malaria alone, calling for stronger collaboration among governments, businesses, development partners, civil society organisations and local communities.
Dangote further warned of emerging threats such as drug and insecticide resistance, urging sustained investment in research and innovation to safeguard existing gains.
“The path to a malaria-free world is clear. We have the tools. We have the knowledge,” he said. “What we need now is urgency, sustained investment, and collective accountability.”
He urged governments to sustain policy momentum and funding, encouraged private sector players to scale up proven interventions, and called on development partners to maintain support for high-burden countries.
“Together, driven by purpose and united in action, we can end malaria,” Dangote added. “Now we can. Now we must.”
