Bukola Afeni
African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) has affirmed it’s commitment to support the Nigeria Malaria and NTDS Youth Corps across Africa in the fight to eliminate malaria and fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
The West Africa Lead, African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) Youth Advisory Council, AMB. Odinaka Kingsley Obeta, disclosed this during the official launch of the Nigeria Malaria and NTDS Youth Corps held in Abuja.
According to the Ministry of Health, malaria is responsible for approximately 60% of outpatient visits, 30% of hospital admissions, and nearly 200,000 deaths annually.
Economically, malaria also inflicts substantial losses, impeding productivity and placing a heavy burden on Nigeria’s healthcare system. In addition to malaria, NTDs remain a severe problem in Nigeria, which accounts for around 25% of Africa’s NTD cases.
According to the WHO, 165 million people in Nigeria, approximately 84% of the population requires preventive chemotherapy for at least one NTD. This high burden is exacerbated by factors such as the lack of access to clean water and sanitation, further straining the health system and hindering socio-economic development.
Obeta said, the Nigeria Malaria and NTDs Youth Corps stands out as the first integrated youth corps in Africa, focusing on both malaria and NTDs, stating that the integration is a visionary step, recognizing the interconnection between the diseases and the need for a holistic approach in combating them.
According to him, the establishment of youth corps programs across Africa, including the Nigeria Malaria and NTDs Youth Corps, is driven by the vision of creating a continent where young people are the vanguard in the fight against infectious diseases.
“These programs aim to empower youth with the knowledge, skills, and leadership opportunities to lead community-based interventions, advocate for policy changes, and ultimately contribute to the elimination of malaria and NTDs. The Nigeria Malaria and NTDs Youth Corps is not just a program; it is a movement that will inspire similar initiatives across the continent.
“The Nigeria Malaria and NTDs Youth Corps is not just a program; it is a movement that will inspire similar initiatives across the continent,” she added.
“As the West Africa Lead of the ALMA Youth Advisory Council and Co-Chair of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, I am fully committed to supporting the youth corps initiatives across Africa, and particularly here in Nigeria because charity they say, begins at home. I and my colleagues will work to ensure that the youth involved in the program receive the necessary support, resources, and recognition to drive impactful change. The RBM Youth Workstream will continue to advocate for youth engagement at all levels, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions are valued.
Obeta further reiterated that the launch of the Nigeria Malaria and NTDs Youth Corps is a bold step forward, and through dedication and commitment of the millions of Nigerian youths with representatives from the 36 states they will overcome the challenges.
In her remark, the Executive Secretary of ALMA, Joy Phumaphi, called for strategic effort to overcome challenges and get back on track toward malaria elimination.
Phumaphi who was represented by the Executive Secretary, Nigeria End Malaria Council, Mrs. Ope Abegunde, emphasized the need to secure additional resources including through the Nigeria End Malaria Council.
“We must scale up existing interventions, including case management, LLINs, and rapid diagnostic tests, alongside new tools like malaria vaccines.
“Malaria remains a formidable challenge across Africa, accounting for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of malaria deaths, with our young children being particularly vulnerable.
“Here in Nigeria, malaria continues to disrupt countless lives. However, our continent remains resilient and steadfast in its commitment to eliminate this deadly disease.
“The youth, who represent over 60% of Nigeria’s population, are at the heart of our strategy. ALMA, in alignment with broader continental efforts, aim to integrate malaria elimination within youth organizations at both national and local levels.
“We seek to mobilize youth champions across Africa and the diaspora to advocate for malaria elimination and universal health coverage. These youth champions, now active in 38 countries, are leveraging digital platforms and community initiatives. They are at the forefront of campaigns like ‘Zero Malaria Starts with Me,’ working to secure increased government support and address broader health concerns.
“I am pleased that Nigeria today joins the top 10 countries in Africa in harnessing the power and innovation of our youth to advance the health agenda. This initiative builds on the demographic dividend of our youthful population, poised to drive social and economic development across the continent.”
She acknowledged the ongoing challenges in the fight against malaria such as Financial constraints, biological threats such as drug and insecticide resistance, and the intensifying impacts of climate change.
Phumaphi however said, within each challenge lies an opportunity for growth and innovation, and the involvement of the youth injects fresh perspectives and strengthens collective resolve.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammed Ali Pate, said the ministry is committed to join the Youth in the fight against malaria and NTDS.
“Today, Nigeria stands proud as the 10th country in Africa to launch a dedicated youth corps focused on malaria and NTDs.
“We are truly committed to harness the energy, creativity, and passion of our youth to drive transformative change. By joining forces with our young people, we are solidifying our place at the forefront of Africa’s battle against malaria and NTDs.”