World Malaria Day: US, Nigeria work together to support healthy communities

The United States Agency for International Development Deputy Mission Director, Sara Werth, has reaffirmed the U.S. government’s support for Nigeria in the fight against malaria during the country’s annual World Malaria Day commemoration. The event was an opportunity to highlight the partnership between the United States and Nigeria to protect people from malaria and support healthy communities.

Malaria—a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes—occurs regularly and is widespread across Nigeria.  The World Health Organization estimates that Nigeria had nearly 67 million cases in 2022 accounting for 27 percent of the global malaria burden.  Also in 2022, Nigeria accounted for 31 percent of global deaths and 38 percent of global deaths in children under the age of five.

Worldwide, the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) has helped save over 10.6 million lives and prevented 1.7 billion malaria infections since 2000.  PMI has partnered with Nigeria to fight malaria since 2011, contributing $914 million to date and $73 million in 2023. USAID, through PMI funding and programs, delivered 13.4 million bed nets, 6 million fast-acting medicines, and 11.8 million Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests to clinics and communities in Nigeria over the past year.  In 2023, more than 7,200 health workers were trained to strengthen their skills in malaria detection, treatment, and how to provide lifesaving care for their communities.

Speaking at the event, USAID Nigeria Deputy Mission Director Sara Werth lauded the Federal Ministry of Health for collaborating with the United States government and working to foster robust and effective malaria services in the future. “As we reflect on the challenges and triumphs in our collective battle against malaria, let us reaffirm our commitment to a future where no family in Nigeria fears the threat of this disease,” remarked Sara Werth. She continued, “I urge the government of Nigeria to invest in making malaria programming more efficient and effective using data and other evidence to inform malaria implementation and drive faster results.”

PMI’s Annual Report, released recently, showcases how PMI is supporting partner countries, such as Nigeria, to advance the fight against malaria and create more effective and resilient health systems. U.S. Global Malaria Coordinator Dr. David Walton said from Washington, DC, “I commend the energy, dedication, and ingenuity of those working on the front lines to protect their communities from malaria. The United States is committed to working hand in hand with the people of Nigeria as we pursue our joint vision of a malaria-free future.”