Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for unified efforts to combat malaria, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among government agencies, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and citizens. Speaking at the launch of the ‘Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitisation Programme,’ he reiterated the need for persistent action to achieve a malaria-free Lagos. Digital Innovation in Malaria Eradication The newly launched initiative aims to revolutionize malaria control through digital advancements and public-private partnerships. With the presence of Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, the program sets a roadmap to eliminate malaria using technology-driven interventions. Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the severe economic and social consequences of malaria, stressing its impact on productivity, household incomes, and education. He emphasized that malaria eradication is not just a health priority but a crucial step in boosting Lagos State’s economy. Call for Accurate Diagnosis and Public Awareness Governor Sanwo-Olu urged residents to embrace a “test-before-treatment” approach, cautioning against self-diagnosis and improper malaria treatment. He commended the integration of digital tools in the program, which will facilitate real-time tracking of malaria cases, ensuring efficient interventions. Additionally, he praised the Lagos State Ministry of Health for its transparency and data-driven strategies aimed at achieving the 2025 malaria elimination target. He also encouraged Lagosians to become advocates, spreading awareness about malaria prevention and the significance of accurate diagnosis. Minister of Health Applauds Lagos’ Leadership in Malaria Control Dr. Iziaq Salako lauded Lagos State for its proactive measures in malaria management, aligning with the Federal Ministry of Health’s ‘Rethinking Malaria’ initiative. He noted that Lagos boasts the lowest malaria prevalence in Nigeria, with a 2% infection rate as per the 2021 survey. The minister emphasized the importance of integrating digital health solutions to enhance malaria case management and improve treatment accuracy. He also underscored the private sector’s role in healthcare, noting that over half of Nigerians initially seek treatment from private health facilities. Strengthening public-private partnerships, he argued, is essential to improve diagnostic accuracy and ensure effective malaria treatment. Commissioner for Health Highlights Strategic Interventions Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, detailed the progress made in malaria control, attributing the success to strategic interventions and digital health tracking. He highlighted that while Nigeria accounts for 27% of global malaria cases, Lagos has reduced its prevalence to 2.6%, moving towards the malaria pre-elimination phase. He further stressed the importance of sustained efforts in early diagnosis, vector control, and public education. By integrating digital tools into healthcare services, Lagos can ensure accurate diagnosis, prevent drug resistance, and optimize malaria treatment outcomes. WHO and World Bank Endorse Lagos’ Malaria Fight Dr. Kazadi Walter Mulombo, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, commended Lagos’ leadership in urban malaria control, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based interventions. He acknowledged that Nigeria accounts for 31% of global malaria-related deaths, making malaria elimination a national priority. Similarly, Dr. Ndiame Diop, Country Director for the World Bank in Nigeria, highlighted the economic burden of malaria. He noted that 30% of under-five deaths and 60% of outpatient visits in Nigeria are linked to malaria. He stressed the need for increased funding and community-led initiatives to reduce out-of-pocket malaria treatment costs, which currently stand at 95%. Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships for Malaria Eradication Dr. Omokhudu Idogho, Managing Director of the Society for Family Health (SFH), emphasized the significance of leveraging digital technology for malaria surveillance. He praised Lagos State for integrating real-time data collection, which will enhance intervention strategies and improve healthcare responses. With collaborative efforts from the government, international organizations, and private entities, Lagos is on track to becoming Nigeria’s first malaria pre-elimination state. This milestone signals a significant step towards achieving national and global malaria eradication goals. World Health Organization – Malaria READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Nigeria’s health minister sees Trump’s executive order on foreign aid as a call for Nigeria to strengthen its healthcare system. Learn about the government’s response and initiatives Nigeria Urged to Reduce Dependence on Foreign Aid for Healthcare The Federal Ministry of Health has described the recent executive order by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding foreign aid as a crucial wake-up call for Nigeria to strengthen its healthcare system and minimize reliance on international funding. During an oversight visit to Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute Metta, Lagos, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, emphasized the urgency of strategic planning and domestic resource mobilization. He pointed out that anticipated cuts in U.S. foreign aid necessitate a shift toward a self-sustaining healthcare system in Nigeria. Foreign Aid Reduction Sparks Concern Over Healthcare Sustainability Following his tour of FMC Ebute Metta, Dr. Salako addressed concerns about the potential reduction in foreign assistance to Nigeria. “The executive orders being reviewed in the U.S. suggest that aid and grants to developing countries like Nigeria are likely to decrease. This is a wake-up call for us to rethink our strategies, exert ourselves, and work toward a more self-sufficient healthcare system,” he stated. The minister further disclosed that the Nigerian government is actively engaging with global stakeholders, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Global Platform (UNGP), and the Global Forum, to explore sustainable solutions. The Need for Alternative Healthcare Funding Highlighting the critical impact of foreign aid on essential programs—particularly HIV treatment, which heavily relies on U.S. funding—Dr. Salako stressed the importance of finding alternative revenue streams. “We are exploring options such as crowdfunding while also increasing government funding for healthcare projects. It is imperative that we diversify our funding sources to avoid a crisis,” he noted. While advocating for global cooperation, the minister emphasized that no country can function in isolation. “The world is a global village. What happens in one country affects others. America cannot operate alone, just as Nigeria or any other country cannot. I believe reason will prevail, and the U.S. government will maintain its essential role in the global community. However, this is an opportunity for us to build a more independent and resilient healthcare system,” he concluded. FMC Ebute Metta Praised for Digital Health Innovations Commending the management and staff of FMC Ebute Metta, the minister described the hospital as a “small body with a big engine.” He highlighted its efficient use of space, adoption of digital innovations, and modern medical equipment as key strengths. A major highlight of the visit was the hospital’s electronic medical record (EMR) system, which Dr. Salako noted could serve as a model for other healthcare facilities under the Nigeria Digital Health Initiative. “Our goal is to create a transparent system with one provider per geopolitical zone. The provider here is undergoing assessment and could be recommended for wider adoption,” he stated. The transition to a paperless system at FMC Ebute Metta was particularly praised, with the minister noting that such advancements could help reduce medical tourism and improve healthcare delivery within Nigeria. Government Initiatives to Enhance Cancer Treatment Dr. Salako also addressed the federal government’s commitment to improving cancer treatment, highlighting key initiatives such as: While rating the hospital’s performance as excellent, the minister acknowledged areas for improvement and pledged further discussions with the Medical Director to enhance healthcare delivery. Conclusion With the potential reduction in U.S. foreign aid, Nigeria must take proactive steps to strengthen its healthcare system. The government’s commitment to domestic resource mobilization, digital health adoption, and alternative funding strategies is essential to achieving long-term sustainability. By focusing on self-sufficiency, digital innovations, and local funding sources, Nigeria can build a more resilient healthcare system capable of delivering quality medical services to its citizens. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
