The Executive Director of the Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF), Dr. Arome Salifu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to eliminate malaria, urging stronger grassroots action alongside comprehensive reforms across the health system.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja to commemorate World Malaria Day 2026, Salifu noted that Nigeria continues to carry a heavy malaria burden, accounting for a large proportion of global cases and deaths.
He explained that AYGF is aligning its interventions with the National Malaria Strategic Plan and the World Health Organization’s global malaria strategy, working in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Malaria Elimination Programme.
Highlighting progress in Edo State, Salifu disclosed that AYGF’s Support to Malaria Elimination Project has reached all 18 local government areas within one year of implementation.
According to him, malaria testing has increased by 64 percent, while the number of confirmed cases treated with recommended drugs rose by 42 percent, indicating improved access to care and better adherence to treatment guidelines.
He added that the number of people seeking care for fever nearly doubled, reflecting stronger community awareness and improved health-seeking behaviour.
Salifu also pointed to a significant breakthrough in maternal health, revealing that preventive malaria treatment for pregnant women surged by 154 percent, safeguarding thousands of mothers and newborns.
He further noted that more than 1,700 health workers and community actors have been trained, boosting capacity in diagnosis, treatment, logistics, and data management.
Despite the gains, he cautioned that challenges persist, particularly stock-outs of essential commodities such as insecticide-treated nets and paediatric malaria drugs.
Salifu called for sustained collaboration among government, development partners, the media, and communities, stressing that malaria remains both preventable and treatable, and that achieving zero malaria requires collective action at all levels.
