Sultan, Okoh Want Better Funding Of Malaria Fight

The Sultan of Sokoto and the president-general of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar; the president of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Daniel Okoh and the executive director of the Nigerian Interfaith Action Association (NIFAA), Bishop Sunday Onuoha have called for domestic funding of the fight against the malaria scourge.

The religious leaders, who made the call in a communique issued at the end of the 9th Board of Trustees meeting of NIFAA, said funding of the malaria fight should not be left in the hands of foreign donors.

The well constituted 9th board meeting was presided over by the co-chairs of the organisation, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and Dr. Daniel Okoh.

The communique issued by the religious leaders commended the effort of the international community and external funders for the level of support through funding and capacity building for indigenous organisations.

While expressing their appreciation, the Board noted the urgent need for the Nigerian government at all levels to take the front position in health interventions in the country.

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“In as much as we receive support internationally, there is a need to step up action in strengthening the Nigerian health system particularly the primary healthcare centres across the country.

The ongoing US President’s Malaria Initiative for States (PMI-S) project covering eight states, namely Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Oyo, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Zamfara, was observed and commended by the Board as a huge support to Nigeria.

The Board called on the state governments, particularly the PMI focus states, to scale up budgetary allocation and fund releases for malaria

The Board called on the Nigerian government at all levels to give more attention to the health needs of the citizens, especially to malaria, which poses one of the most common health challenges in Nigeria with high mortality rate.

“The Board is committed to utilizing its networks to engage with the state governors and other relevant stakeholders, not only of the eight PMI states but across the country, for increased funding commitment for malaria elimination.

“NIFAA will continue to work with the Ministry of Health and other agencies of government in order to address the health and other social needs of Nigerians,” the communique added.