Eradication of Malaria in Nigeria

Health Minister Obtains $200 Million Loan For Malaria Eradication In Nigeria

Eradication of Malaria in Nigeria

The Health Minister, Dr Osagie  Ehanire said a $200 million loan is for Malaria eradication.

Dr Ehanire said that the $200 million loans have been set aside for Malaria eradication in Nigeria.

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He gave this account on Monday after the outrage on a $200 million loan obtained for the procurement of mosquito nets made the news.

He clarified that the money would aid in eradicating Malaria in 13 states.

During a media briefing on COVID-19 response in Abuja, he quenched the speculation. Dr Ehanire said this fund was promised by the United States of America and global health funds.

In the latest health news in Nigeria, uproar surged the social media space after a rumour broke out about the Federal Government obtaining a $200 million loan solely for mosquito nets. This was indicated in the 2022 budget.

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After several backlashes, the health minister gave a breakdown of the funds.

He said, “The United States Presidential Initiative on malaria donated $295 million to cover eleven states and the global health fund for tuberculosis and malaria. Also, donated about four million dollars to 13 states. This leaves thirteen states without bilateral support.

“As a condition for our partners to release their own grants, the partners want Nigeria to be responsible for thirteen states namely Abia, Anambra, Borno, Edo, Ekiti, Ondo, Kogi, Imo, Lagos, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory. The fund is not just to purchase mosquito nets as widely purported but to purchase test kits among others.

“Malaria is endemic to Nigeria and therefore people are so used to it and trivialize this disease in Africa. We are the country with the highest burden of malaria. Malaria counts for about 60 per cent of out-patient hospital visits.

“The purpose of this briefing is to correct wrong information arising from not knowing the circumstances around the facility. The Federal Ministry of Health will gladly provide details. The public is enjoined to note the following: It is part of a borrowing plan, stated under the multilateral source of funds to meet Nigeria’s financial obligations.

“The money is about a quarter (25%) of what our foreign partners provided for the Global Roll-Back-Malaria Partnership Plan of Work.

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Ehanire stressed the payment of the money. He said this would help Nigeria in the future with foreign support.

“The facility is domiciled with, and expended from the Ministry of Finance, it is not at the Ministry of Health.

“Expenditure follows strict World Bank rules and guidelines and is monitored by the Ministry of Finance and as well as by the World Bank. The facility is for 13 States over a 5 year period, with about 25% going to nets and 75% to testing, treatment and other malaria control measures. Any unspent funds out of the facility return immediately to Federal Government account.”

Source: PUNCH HealthWise

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