FG decries $1.1bn annual loss to Malaria treatment

The Federal Government had decried the the loss of $1.1 billion lost annually as a result of Malaria treatment in the country.

To this effect it would collaborate  with  the Dangote Foundation to fight the disease. This was made known during the  launch of the document with the title, ‘Engaging the Private Sector to Eliminate Malaria in Nigeria’

The initiative, a statement obtained  from the federal Ministry of Health on Tuesday,  said is a private sector initiative that would explore resources from private investors towards malaria in the country.

Malaria has been described as one of the major causes of death of women and children in the country as it accounts for 60 percent of out patients visits and 30 percent hospital admission in Nigeria.

Launching the Document in Lagos on Monday,Isaac Adewolie the Minister of Health said in  the statement that  present administration was determined to work with the private sector not only in malaria control but also in other related health challenges in Nigeria.

He said:”Working with you today to luanch this important document is a welcome development,it is important we embark on this initiative,it would increase efficiency and ensure we deliver”

The Minister according in the  statement expressed concern that despite the large volume of mosquito nets distributed in the country, the prevalence of malaria is still high which clearly indicated that most people who received the nets declined to use it.

Speaking further on Local production of Mosquito nets, Adewole urged private investors to consider the possibilities of producing mosquito nets locally.

He said,”We cannot afford to be importing the net,this net can be produced here and the market is huge .We need about 30 million nets every year in Nigeria.A net has a life spna of about 3 years and if you compute on the bases of 1 net for two people,Nigeria would need 90 million nets over next three  years.

In his remaks,Chairman Dangote Foundation who is also the Malaria Ambassador, in Nigeria said that the Private sector had an important role to play in mobilising resources towards Malaria Elimination Programme in Nigeria.

He said. That Private Sector Health Alliance in Nigeria which he is funding patron and co-founder focused on Mobilisng the private sector across the country under one coordinated platform to leverage on private sector capabilities,advocacy,innocation,and resources to complement government efforts.

He added  that Bill Gates and other prominent Business leaders have collaborated with Health Alliance to provide resources in the fight against Malaria in Nigeria.