By Ezra Ukanwa, Abuja

As the world marks World Malaria Day, the African Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF) has called on the Nigerian government to adopt universal health coverage (UHC) to combat the scourge of malaria.

This was even as they called on the current administration to address factors that increase malaria risk, adding that Nigeria bears a significant burden of malaria cases and deaths, with pregnant women and children under five being the most affected.

The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, AYGF, Dr. Arome Salifu, made the call at a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said: “Malaria is an ever-growing issue that will continue to affect and spread throughout Nigeria if measures are not put in place. Sensitization and awareness campaigns enlighten communities on healthy practices, bringing healthcare closer to the people to prevent malaria and reduce the prevalence of diseases in the country.

“Another approach is to improve access to health care among vulnerable communities through the delivery of affordable health care to hard-to-reach communities.
“In Nigeria a large part of the country currently falls in the low-income category of living making affordability of health care quite cumbersome. Therefore a need to adopt Universal Health Coverage (UHC) ensuring that all people access the full range of health care as needed without financial restraint.

“Immediate action and collaboration: The change we seek in health care cannot be done alone, that is why as an organization we have identified the need for relevant partnerships that will spread the course of impact beyond communities to the country at large.

“Malaria is a major public health challenge in Nigeria, and it is imperative that we adopt a comprehensive approach to tackle it,” said the founder of AYGF. “Universal health coverage is key to ensuring that everyone, especially vulnerable populations, has access to preventive and curative services.”

“The adoption of UHC will go a long way in reducing the financial burden of healthcare on individuals and families, and ensure that everyone has access to life-saving interventions,” said the founder.

AYGF also called for increased community engagement, awareness campaigns, and addressing factors that increase malaria risk, such as poor sanitation and lack of access to healthcare.

He also revealed that as part of efforts to commemorate World Malaria Day, AYGF is organizing an advocacy roadshow and ministerial press briefing to raise awareness and push for policy change.

He noted that they have reached over 2 million pregnant women with life-saving interventions through its ANRiN project, demonstrating the impact of targeted interventions in combating malaria.

He said: “Through this intervention, AYGF in 2 years has reached up to One million three hundred and seventy-three thousand six hundred and seventy-four (1,373,674) pregnant women in Niger state, two hundred and seventy-three thousand, nine hundred and seventy six (273,976) pregnant women in Katsina state, and seven hundred and twenty-seven thousand, six hundred and seventy nine (727, 679) in Kogi state. The entire focus of this component is to prevent malaria among pregnant women and protect their children.

“As part of the celebration, advocacy and sensitization have been carried out in designated places of worship on Friday 19th, and Sunday 21st April 2024 while a community outreach was conducted yesterday at LEA Mpape.

“The finale would be an Advocacy Roadshow and Ministerial Press Briefing on Thursday 25th April. The roadshow will begin at the Federal Secretariat at 8:30 am and end at Rockview Royale Hotel by 11:00 am where the press briefing will be held.”