Nigeria needs N1.89trillion to tackle malaria – Health Minister

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, says Nigeria needs N1.89trillion to effectively combat malaria in the country.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, on Friday, April 23, the minister explained that of the total sum, the country required more than N350billion to fight the disease in 2021 alone.

“The implementation of the new strategic plan will cost N1.89 trillion; about N352 billion is required for the year 2021 programme implementation,” he told reporters ahead of the World Malaria Day scheduled to hold on Sunday.

He acknowledged that the Federal Government does not have the adequate amount required to fight the disease this year. Ehanire attributed this to the prevailing economic circumstances occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic, just as in other countries.

The minister disclosed that the government was working to establish a Malaria Council that would help to drive domestic funding for the elimination of the disease.