The Federal Government (FG) has appointed Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group; Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings; and Femi Otedola, Chairman of Geregu Power Plc, to lead the national initiative aimed at eradicating malaria in Nigeria. This was disclosed by Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, during the inauguration ceremony of Nigeria End Malaria Council (NEMC) in Abuja.
He said, “It gives me great pleasure to be present in this auspicious meeting whose major objective is to contribute to a reduction in the malaria burden and possibly the elimination of malaria in Nigeria, which will ultimately lead to the improvement in the quality of lives of all Nigerians.
“It is no longer news that Nigeria contributes more than a quarter of global malaria cases and about a third of the over 600,000 deaths, mostly among children and pregnant women.
“It is sad to note that malaria contributes about 25-30 percent childhood mortality and about 60 percent hospital attendance.
“While malaria cases and deaths are shrinking in other countries, Nigeria has continuously recorded higher number of cases. Bulk of the support for the interventions are donor-driven, hence inadequate and not sustainable.
“By reason of your positions in Nigeria, your passion towards health issues, especially malaria, and the interest groups you represent, your membership to this council is inevitable for the benefit of the larger society, and especially children and pregnant women who are the most affected and would remain forever grateful.”
Dangote was appointed to lead the Council stating, “It gives me great pleasure to lead this council and to work alongside other distinguished members to tackle malaria head-on.”
Other members of the Council includes John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Representatives from the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Members of the National Assembly’s joint Health Committees, Representatives from various women’s organizations, amongst others.
The Nigeria End Malaria Council was established in 2017 and officially inaugurated in August 2022 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
