The USA Company for Worldwide Growth (USAID) has reaffirmed the US authorities’s assist for Nigeria within the battle in opposition to malaria and finish the life-threatening illness within the nation.
USAID, via the US President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI )funding and packages, delivered 13.4 million mattress nets, 6 million fast-acting medicines, and 11.8 million Malaria Fast Diagnostic Exams to clinics and communities in Nigeria over the previous yr.
An announcement issued by the US Embassy in Nigeria stated that in 2023, greater than 7,200 well being employees had been skilled to strengthen their expertise in malaria detection, remedy, and find out how to present lifesaving care for his or her communities.
Deputy Mission Director Sara Werth stated this throughout the nation’s annual World Malaria Day commemoration to spotlight the partnership between the USA and Nigeria to guard individuals from malaria and assist wholesome communities.
Malaria—a life-threatening illness attributable to parasites transmitted to people via the bites of contaminated feminine Anopheles mosquitoes—happens usually and is widespread throughout Nigeria. The World Well being Group estimates that Nigeria had almost 67 million instances in 2022 accounting for 27 % of the worldwide malaria burden. Additionally in 2022, Nigeria accounted for 31 % of worldwide deaths and 38 % of worldwide deaths in kids below the age of 5.
Worldwide, the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) has helped save over 10.6 million lives and prevented 1.7 billion malaria infections since 2000. PMI has partnered with Nigeria to battle malaria since 2011, contributing $914 million so far and $73 million in 2023. Talking on the occasion, USAID Nigeria Deputy Mission Director Sara Werth lauded the Federal Ministry of Well being for collaborating with the USA authorities and dealing to foster strong and efficient malaria providers sooner or later.
“As we mirror on the challenges and triumphs in our collective battle in opposition to malaria, allow us to reaffirm our dedication to a future the place no household in Nigeria fears the specter of this illness,” Werth stated.
She continued, “I urge the federal government of Nigeria to spend money on making malaria programming extra environment friendly and efficient utilizing knowledge and different proof to tell malaria implementation and drive quicker outcomes.”
US International Malaria Coordinator Dr. David Walton stated from Washington, DC, “I commend the power, dedication, and ingenuity of these engaged on the entrance strains to guard their communities from malaria. The USA is dedicated to working hand in hand with the individuals of Nigeria as we pursue our joint imaginative and prescient of a malaria-free future.”
