By Omilakin Tomilayo Esther
The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken decisive steps to combat malaria by establishing both an advisory board and a ministerial task force dedicated to malaria elimination. Led by Prof Muhammed Pate, these initiatives aim to intensify efforts against malaria, a disease imposing significant health and economic burdens in Nigeria.
The advisory board, chaired by Emeritus Prof Rose Leke and comprising experts from academia, public health, and development sectors, will provide evidence-based guidance and convene biannual reviews to assess program effectiveness. Simultaneously, the ministerial task force, co-chaired by Prof Pate and Dr Tunji Alausa, includes stakeholders from diverse sectors to ensure coordinated efforts in prevention, treatment, and awareness campaigns.
Their collaborative approach seeks to align national strategies with global best practices, leveraging partnerships with international bodies and local organizations to effectively reduce malaria incidence across the country.