The Federal Government has stated that it would spend N1.89 trillion to wipe out malaria in Nigeria.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, stated this in a text he presented to mark the 2021 World Malaria Day, obtained by journalists on Sunday evening in Abuja.
According to him, about N352 billion was needed for the year 2021 programme implementation on malaria.
Read also: Analysis: Over 100 buildings in Nigeria wrecked by rainstorm in April
Ehanire said the N1.89 trillion was specifically needed for the implementation of the New Strategic Plan on malaria, the Punch reports.
“As stated earlier, the goal of this plan is to achieve a parasite prevalence of less than 10 per cent and reduce mortality attributable to malaria to less than 50 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2025. The implementation of the New Strategic Plan will cost N1.89 trillion”, the Minister emphasised.
He said 63.1 per cent of the total amount would be used to support Chemoprevention, diagnosis, and treatment, while 35.9 per cent will be used for vector control.
The minister, who said the use of insecticide-treated nets among under-five children increased from 43.4 per cent in 2015 to 52 per cent in 2018, also said pregnant women increased its use from 49 per cent in 2015 to 58 per cent in 2018.