The Nigeria’s Federal Government and Dangote Foundation have jointly launched a private sector initiative that would explore resources from private investors towards eradicating malaria in the country.
The Document tagged “Engaging the Private Sector to Eliminate Malaria in Nigeria,” was launched in Lagos by the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole.
He said that the present administration is determined to work with private sector not only in malaria control but also in the other health challenges in Nigeria.
“Working with you today to launch this important document is a welcome development, it is important that we embark on this initiative, it would increase efficiency and ensure that we deliver,” he said.
The Minister said he is worried that despite the large volume of mosquito nets distributed in the country; the prevalence of malaria is still high which clearly indicated that most of those who received the nets declined to use it.
He, therefore urged private investors to consider the possibilities of producing mosquito nets in the country.
In his remarks, the Chairman Dangote Foundation who is also the Malaria Ambassador in Nigeria, Alhaji Aliko Dangote said that Private sector had an important role to play in mobilizing resources towards
Malaria Elimination Programme in Nigeria.
Aliko Dangote said that Private Sector Health Alliance in Nigeria which he is the funding patron and Co-founder focused on mobilizing the private sector across the country under one coordinated platform to leverage on private sector capabilities, advocacy, innovation and resources to complement government efforts in the fight against malaria.
He added that Mr. Bill Gates and other prominent business leaders have collaborate with Health Alliance to provide resources in the fight against malaria in Nigeria.
Dangote said as Malaria Ambassador in Nigeria, he would lead by example through provision of comprehensive malaria education and treatment to all his staff at all his business locations across the country.
He further pledged to support the Save One Million Lives Initiative programme launched recently by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
