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2019 World Malaria Day: Nigeria contributes 25% To Global Malaria Burden-Minister

Published

7 years ago

April 25, 2019

2019 World Malaria Day: Nigeria contributes 25% To Global Malaria Burden-Minister

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, on Thursday, revealed that malaria is still a public health challenge as Nigeria still accounts for 25% of the global malaria burden. We also account for 19% of deaths from malaria.

Though, funding for malaria control has remained relatively stable since 2010, we need to improve on the level of our investment to achieve a reduction of at least 40% in malaria case incidence and mortality rates globally by 2020, he noted

The minister made this known in his message to commemorate he World Malaria Day, saying, the celebration provides us the opportunity to review our strategies and up the tempo with a view to reducing significantly the burden of malaria in our beloved country.

According to him, the theme of the celebration is “Zero Malaria Starts with Me”, and slogan is “Join Me”. The theme is apt and reflects our commitment to the achievement of a malaria free Nigeria. The slogan reveals our desire to have all Nigerians come on board in the fight against malaria. Every Nigerian has a role to play from the artisan on the street to the Chief Executive in the office. There are simple things that we can do: Keep our environment clean; Sleep inside the Long lasting Insecticidal Nets; When feverish please go for a test ; and If positive ensure that you are treated with Artemisinin based Combination Therapy (ACT).

Adewole said that, “As you all know on April 25, 2000, during the African Summit, African leaders from 44 countries committed themselves to intensive efforts to combat the scourge of malaria. They agreed to use the 25th of April of every year to draw attention to the menace of malaria and elicit support for its control. The celebration began as the Africa Malaria Day and was later renamed the World Malaria Day.

“We are fully committed to malaria elimination. We have developed innovative programmes that will increase access to funds for malaria programme implementation. Some of which include the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, the Save One Million Lives Project and we are also soliciting for additional funding support for malaria programme. Let me now intimate you with the progress and milestones that we have recorded so far.

“We are recording a steady reduction in the malaria burden. The 2013 NDHS showed that malaria was responsible for 2 out of 10 deaths in children less than 5 years, as against 30% in previous years. The NMIS 2015 showed a remarkable reduction in the malaria prevalence from 42% (NMIS 2010) to 27% which resulted from a strong commitment from government and partners in their efforts to stem malaria. We look forward to the results of the NDHS 2018 for data on the current status of malaria.

“In 2018, President Mohammadu Buhari approved an incentive funding of $18.5 million for procurement of Long Lasting Insectcide Treated Nets(LLIN). We carried carried out LLINs replacement campaigns in eight States (Ogun, Jigawa, Katsina, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Akwa-Ibom, Bauchi) with support from our partners – GF, PMI/USAID, CRS and SFH. In four of the Global Fund supported States, Information, Communication, Technology for Development (ICT4D) was deployed for the LLINs replacement campaign implementation. In all, a total of Twenty-four Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Ninety-six (24,730,896) LLINs were distributed across the eight States. Similarly, 7,200 LLINs were also distributed in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Adamawa State. As you all know, the campaigns are done every 3 years in each state of the Federation based on the life span of the nets. This is to ensure that our people are continuously protected from the scourge of malaria. In order to ensure effective monitoring of the malaria vector, we have gone further to establish three (3) new sentinel sites for vector surveillance in Osun, Niger and Kano States. This has increased the number of vector sentinel sites in the country to fourteen (14). Currently, a drug efficacy therapeutic test is on-going to assess the efficacy of recommended antimalarial drugs (ACTs, AA, DHP and Pyramax) in additional four site.

In order to ensure malaria commodities availability, a National quantification exercise was conducted in conjunction with states and others partners. This was co-ordinated by National Malaria Elimination Programme with technical and financial support from our partners. NMEP will also ensure a review of the forecast, six (6) months later. The PSM Sub-Committee has ratified the document for dissemination. In 2018, a standard operating procedure (SOP) for forecasting and quantification of malaria commodities was developed with support from partners. The document now serves as a guide to the malaria programme in subsequent quantification exercises.

In order to strengthen routine data generation, collection, collation and harmonization at State, LGA and community levels (NHMIS & DHIS), the Federal Ministry of Health through National Malaria Elimination Programme embarked on DHIS Data Analysis/Malaria bulletin Development. The bulletin will periodically make data on malaria programme implementation available to Nigerians. Efforts were also made to build States’ capacity on Malaria Surveillance, Monitoring and Evaluation. To this end twenty-six participants were trained (1 participant from NMEP, 25 participants from 13 States). Similarly the NMEP facilitated several trainings on data management as listed below: One-day North West (NW) zonal data review meeting ;Training of FCT Malaria programme staff on the conduct of DQA and; Participated in Therapeutic Efficacy Studies training on data management (REDcap) organized by NIMR

The Federal Ministry of Health through NMEP collaborated with the National Population Commission in the Conduct of the 2018 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) by supporting: The assessment of laboratories to be used as Staining Sites during the survey; Training of Trainers (ToT)for State Coordinators and Supervisors of NDHS 2018 in Kaduna State; The screening and selection of States’ Laboratory Scientists & Nurses for the Survey ;The conduct of NDHS Biomarker training; The training of laboratory scientists for staining of slides during the 2018 NDHS data collection exercise ; Facilitation of the 2018 NDHS main training of data collectors in Saminaka, Kaduna State; and The monitoring and coordination of the biomarker component of Data collection for the 2018 NDHS.

The results of the survey would soon be released by the National Population Commission.

Adewole added that, the Federal Government is in the process of setting up an expert group comprising of researchers in the field of malaria to provide guidance on country strategies for malaria elimination. Similarly, the process of Malaria Programme Review (MPR), a holistic review of malaria programme implementation in the country is on-going and the outcome would inform changes in strategies and interventions where necessary.

He called on Nigerians to double their efforts in resource mobilization in support of malaria elimination. The huge resources required to combat malaria in the country can only be achieved with contributions from Government, GFATM, RBM Partners and the private sector. I call on the private sector to commit more resources to support the fight against malaria.

We are all delighted to hear of the commencement in Malawi, of the pilot introduction of RTSS/ASO1, the world’s first antimalarial vaccine for partial protection of children against malaria. We anxiously look forward to a very good outcome which will catalyze global effort at the elimination of the scourge.

He thanks the RBM partnership in Nigeria for the tremendous support the ministry has enjoyed over the years. I must, acknowledge the immense contributions of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), WHO, UNICEF, DFID/SuNMaP, USAID/PMI, other Implementing Partners and the Private sector among others. Let me add that through your robust programmes several lives have been saved.

Finally, I wish to commend the rewarding partnership and support that we have enjoyed from the press. We continue to call on you for more support in getting the lifesaving messages on malaria elimination to our people. I therefore call on all Nigerians to participate actively in 2019 World Malaria Day celebration as we continue in our effort towards a malaria free Nigeria

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DG Nafiu’s First Year at NYSC Marked by Transformational Achievements

Published

1 week ago

March 5, 2026

The Gleamer

When Brigadier General OO Nafiu assumed office on March 6, 2025 as the 23rd Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), expectations were high.

The Scheme, which has remained a cornerstone of Nigeria’s youth development and national integration since its establishment, required renewed energy, strategic direction and reforms capable of addressing modern realities.

One year later, Brigadier General Nafiu has presented a comprehensive scorecard highlighting the milestones achieved under his leadership.

His administration, anchored on transparency, improved welfare, job creation and institutional efficiency, has recorded notable progress in repositioning the NYSC for greater relevance in contemporary Nigeria.

A Vision Anchored on Reform and RelevanceUpon assumption of office, the Director-General outlined a clear vision designed to strengthen the Scheme and align it with the evolving needs of Nigerian society. His agenda was built around three major pillars: transparent leadership, improved welfare for corps members and staff, and expanded job creation initiatives.
This vision translated into a broader policy thrust aimed at strengthening the NYSC to ensure its future relevance while contributing meaningfully to national development.
Four focal points guided the implementation of this agenda: enhanced security and welfare for corps members and staff, promotion of patriotism and personal growth among corps members, building a resilient workforce, and promoting strategic communication across the organisation.
Over the past year, these guiding principles have shaped several reforms and initiatives that have improved the operational efficiency and national impact of the Scheme.

Strengthening Welfare and Staff DevelopmentOne of the central priorities of the Nafiu-led administration has been the welfare and professional development of staff.
In a significant move to improve transportation and operational convenience, the Scheme secured a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus to facilitate movement for staff and corps members.

Career progression also received a major boost with the successful conduct of the 2025 promotion exercise. A total of 696 senior staff and 139 junior staff were promoted, while 173 officers received approval for conversion to different cadres and salary grade levels. These measures have strengthened morale and reinforced a culture of merit and dedication within the organisation.

In addition, the management ensured prompt payment of disengagement allowances to retired personnel, with over 168 staff benefiting from post-service welfare support.
A landmark achievement during the year was the approval for the implementation of peculiar allowances for NYSC staff, which took effect from January 2026, further improving staff motivation and financial welfare.

National Recognition and Institutional Excellence

The NYSC also received significant national recognition during the year under review. The Scheme was honoured with the Best Performing SERVICOM Unit (Parastatal), Team A, at the SERVICOM Presidency’s 2025 Annual End-of-Year Awards.

The Director-General himself was recognised as the Best Supporting Chief Executive by the SERVICOM National Office in 2025. In another major recognition of institutional compliance and digital responsibility, the NYSC was named the Most Compliant Public Sector Organisation on Data Protection (Federal) by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission in February 2026.
These accolades underscore the commitment of the leadership to transparency, accountability and service delivery.

Celebrating Outstanding Corps MembersA major highlight of the year was the hosting of the combined President’s NYSC Honours Award Ceremony for the years 2020 to 2023. The event celebrated 210 outstanding former corps members whose exceptional service contributed to the development of communities across Nigeria.

Beyond recognition, the Federal Government rewarded the awardees with automatic employment into the Federal Civil Service, reinforcing the value of patriotism, diligence and national service.

Expanding Operational Capacity

To strengthen operational efficiency, the NYSC conducted a recruitment exercise that brought 850 new staff into the Scheme. This move addressed manpower gaps and enhanced the institution’s ability to effectively manage its programmes nationwide.

The administration also intensified advocacy and engagement with key stakeholders such as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and various state governments. These collaborations have improved support for NYSC activities and strengthened partnerships crucial to the Scheme’s success.

Improving Infrastructure and Healthcare Support

Infrastructure and healthcare resources also received attention. The NYSC received two mobile clinics donated by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in February 2026. The mobile facilities are expected to improve access to healthcare services for corps members, particularly in remote deployment locations.

Policy Reforms for Institutional EfficiencyInstitutional reform has been another significant focus. The administration successfully processed the approval of the NYSC Scheme of Service, last revised in 1992, and the NYSC Conditions of Service, last updated in 2013, by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The updated documents are expected to improve service delivery, strengthen administrative structures and provide clearer career frameworks for staff.

Enhancing Corps Members’ Welfare
Corps members also benefited from policy improvements. Approval was secured for an upward review of the allowances covering kits, feeding and transportation for corps members, with implementation expected to commence in 2027.

The administration also ensured prompt payment of corps members’ insurance coverage, reinforcing safety nets for participants in the Scheme.

Promoting Entrepreneurship and Job CreationBeyond welfare, the NYSC has continued to expand job creation opportunities for corps members.

Through strengthened partnerships with private sector organisations, the Scheme has facilitated employment pathways for graduates completing their national service.

Entrepreneurship programmes under the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development initiative have also empowered corps members with practical business skills, enabling many to establish their own enterprises.

Promoting Unity and Cultural IntegrationThe NYSC remains a vital instrument for national unity, and the current leadership has reinforced this role through strengthened community development programmes and cultural initiatives. Activities such as the NYSC cultural festivals in orientation camps have been improved and repackaged to promote cultural understanding and national cohesion among young Nigerians.

Embracing Digital Innovation
Operational improvements have also been driven by digital innovation. The Scheme has introduced and expanded digital solutions aimed at improving efficiency, administrative coordination and service delivery across its nationwide operations.
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Capacity Building and Professional TrainingStaff training and professional development have remained a priority. In addition to internal workshops such as the pre-mobilisation workshop, pre-orientation workshop and Annual Management Conference, more than 936 staff members participated in seminars and professional training programmes organised by reputable institutions across the country.

These organisations include the Federal Training Centres, the Centre for Management Development, the Institute for Strategic Management of Nigeria, the Nigerian Army Resource Centre and the Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development.Strengthening Strategic PartnershipsPartnerships with government agencies, private organisations and non-governmental bodies have continued to expand, helping to drive youth empowerment initiatives and national development programmes linked to the NYSC mandate.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Despite these achievements, the year was not without challenges. Security concerns and funding constraints posed operational difficulties. However, the leadership emphasised that the experiences have provided valuable lessons that will guide future strategies to ensure the Scheme remains resilient and responsive to national needs.Looking Ahead

As the NYSC enters another phase of its development, Brigadier General Nafiu has outlined a forward-looking agenda focused on digital transformation, youth entrepreneurship and stronger stakeholder collaboration.These initiatives aim to deepen the Scheme’s role in promoting national unity, youth empowerment and sustainable development.

Reflecting on the past year, the Director-General expressed pride in the collective efforts of NYSC staff, corps members and stakeholders whose dedication has driven the progress recorded.

With renewed commitment and strategic direction, the NYSC leadership believes the Scheme is well positioned to achieve even greater impact in shaping Nigeria’s future.

For Brigadier General Nafiu and the NYSC family, the message remains clear: the journey continues, driven by a shared belief that Nigeria’s unity and development remain the ultimate mission of the National Youth Service Corps.

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