The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, has said the Federal Government will today roll out a malaria vaccine initiative to combat the disease in states with its high prevalence.
The minister restated the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), an emerging global health threat.
Pate said this in a video media briefing uploaded on the ministry’s X (formerly Twitter).
The minister emphasised the pressing need for the intervention, considering that Nigeria accounts for 27 per cent of global malaria cases and 31 per cent of malaria-related deaths.
He said: “This week marks another important step forward for our country as Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, begins to roll out the malaria vaccines, starting with all local governments in Bayelsa and Kebbi states. Our determination to end malaria is not predicated on the mobilisation of this important vaccine alone.
“We are aligning all levels of government to adopt preventative measures to safeguard lives and ensure treatment is available for those who need it.” Pate highlighted key initiatives aimed at tackling malaria, including collaboration with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the establishment of the Advisory Group on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (AMEN).
“Earlier this year, we identified strategic actions to combat malaria and accelerate its elimination, including the development of a costed plan that explicitly details trade-offs,” he said.
The minister explained that the reforms are meant to improve malaria case management and ensure the affordability and availability of treatments through partnerships with global initiatives, like the Affordable Medicines for Malaria venture.
“In addition, we are retraining Nigeria’s frontline health workforce to enhance testing, treatment, and community awareness,” he said.
Pate lauded the support of development partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Global Fund, and the Gavi Alliance.
The minister recalled that AMEN recently held its inaugural meeting in Abuja, chaired by Emeritus Professor Rosa Leki.
He described AMR as a significant threat to global health security, adding: “AMR occurs when microorganisms evolve and become resistant to antimicrobial medicines, posing a serious challenge to life-saving treatments.”
In a testament to Nigeria’s progress, the minister also announced that the country had been selected to host the fifth Global High-Level Ministerial meeting on AMR in 2026.
“Nigeria will welcome member-states as the host nation of this biannual meeting, taking a global leadership role in advancing the One Health approach to AMR prevention and research.
“The real work now begins. With the commitment of all stakeholders, I am confident that under the bold leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we will make significant strides in building a healthier, safer Nigeria that plays its part in African and global health security,” he said.
