By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The World Health Organization, WHO, on Thursday revealed that out of the
249 million malaria cases in 85 malaria endemic countries, Nigeria contributes over 1.3 million increase in cases and this makes it the number 3 contributor in the world for 2022.

WHO Representative in Nigeria,
Dr Walter Kazadi Molumbo, stated this
at the world press briefing, in commemoration of the World Malaria Day 2024, organized by Federal Ministry of Health, World Health Organization, WHO and other partners in Abuja .

Dr. Walter, who was represented by Dr Alex Chimbaru, Deputy Country Representative, said fight against malaria is not just a health issue; it is a matter of social justice and human rights.

He added that it is therefore imperative for stakeholders to accelerate efforts to expand access to life-saving interventions in fight against malaria in Nigeria.

According to Dr. Walter, “The theme for World Malaria Day 2024, “Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World” resonates deeply with the ongoing efforts to combat this pervasive disease. This year, let us collectively commit to changing the narrative and ushering in a new era of progress and equity in our battle against malaria.

“Over the years, malaria has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable populations, namely, pregnant women, infants, children under 5 years of age, refugees, migrants, and internally displaced people, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequity.

“According to the Global malaria report of 2023, in 2022, there were an estimated 249 million malaria cases in 85 malaria endemic countries, the WHO African region shoulders the heaviest malaria burden with a contribution of 94% and 95% of malaria cases and deaths respectively. The main countries contributing to the increase of cases in 2022 were Pakistan (+2.1 million), Ethiopia (+1.3 million), Nigeria (+1.3 million), Uganda (+597 000) and Papua New Guinea (+423 000). The time to Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World

“Climate change and humanitarian emergencies, including natural disasters and conflicts in malaria-endemic countries, are displacing populations, making them vulnerable to the disease. This reduces opportunities for accessing preventive and treatment services by these groups thus hindering progress on achieving the vision of a malaria-free world.

“However, amidst these challenges, there is cause for hope. Together, under the guidance of FMOH/NMEP we have made remarkable strides in malaria control and prevention, thanks to the tireless dedication of individuals and organizations across the country. Through robust surveillance, innovative interventions, and strengthened health systems, we have saved countless lives and prevented untold suffering”.

The WHO boss, noted, “The government’s commitment to turning the tide in the fight against malaria is evident by signing the Yaoundé Declaration, in March 2024 in which Government of Nigeria through Honourable Minister of Health and social welfare pledged to accelerate efforts to reduce malaria deaths, the upcoming roundtable meeting next week is also a testimony of commitment to reduce morbidity and mortality due to malaria. This meeting will provide a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to explore innovative strategies and optimize our resources for a better impact. Your participation and contributions will be invaluable as we chart a course towards a malaria-free future for Nigeria.

“The fight against malaria is not just a health issue; it is a matter of social justice and human rights. By accelerating our efforts to expand access to life-saving interventions, improve health systems, and address the underlying determinants of malaria transmission, we can create a more equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We also need to bring the communities in the planning and prevention of malaria.

“Let us change the narrative now and work together to overcome the challenges that stand in the way of malaria elimination. Through collective action, innovation, and unwavering commitment, we can achieve our shared goal of a malaria-free future for all”.

In her goodwill message, United States Agency for International Development, USAID, Nigeria Deputy Director, Sara Werth, said according to WHO, Nigeria has about 67 million cases of malaria in 2022, that is about 27% of the global malaria burden.

She said, “Also in 2022 l, Nigeria accounted for 31% of global deaths and 38% of global deaths in children aged under 4 years. Together with our partners, the President’s Malaria Initiative, PMI, helped save over 10.6 million lives and prevented 1.7 billion malaria infections world wide since 2000.

“In Nigeria malaria deaths decreased from 194,000 in 2021 to 188,480 in 2022. Prevention of Malaria in Nigeria has contributed to the overall global success of PMI, program. We are proud to partner with Nigerian government and the Global Fund to fight AIDs, Tuberculosis and malaria.”.

She stressed that, “Since 2011, USG has contributed over $914 million USD, averaging approximately $73 million a year. This funding brings with it a wealth of expertise from across the globe to address the significant challenges in Nigeria.

“As a result of PMI procuring 90 million insecticide treated bedsheets , over 180 million Nigerians are now protected from malaria. Furthermore, 3 million children under five years of age are protected from malaria, after PMI assisted in administering 35 million doses of malaria preventive treatment “

Dr. Godwin Ntadom, the National Coordinator, National Malaria Elimination Programme, NMEP, said it is imperative for the Federal Government, FG, and stakeholders to do more to address the malaria scourge in Nigeria. That citizens must be able to access the much needed healthcare services in the country. Adding that to achieve this all hands must be on desk.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), has given Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra one month within which to address the demands of marketers in the state or face total shutdown of operations without further notice.

Marketers in the state reached this decision at the end of the statewide meeting held in Awka on Tuesday.

Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN Enugu Depot Community, in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States, who addressed Journalists after the meeting, said the association had reported cases affecting its members to the governor without any response.

Anyaso said the grievances of marketers in Anambra included the issue of consolidated revenue payable and withdrawal of all litigations against members based on multiple taxation which was not in line with the understanding IPMAN had with the Anambra government.

He said IPMAN discussed the problem of non-payment of debt amounting to about N900 million owed contractors who supplied diesel for powering streetlight projects in the state.

Anyaso also said that among the demands of the association was the demolition of part of the property of Chris Tee Nigeria limited, a marketer at Trans-Nkissi phase 1 along Onitsha-Otuocha road which was destroyed by agents of government.

He said IPMAN would not issue further notice upon the expiration of the deadline before shutting their outlets.

Anyaso thanked Chief Ken Maduako, a patron of the association, Mr Golden Iloh, member of the Anambra State House of Assembly and representative of the Anambra Internal Revenue Service, for their intervention and hoped that the Soludo administration would act on their plea to prevent the looming industrial action.

He commended Gov. Soludo for his efforts to make Anambra a peaceful and liveable state while urging him to make the business environment conducive for investors, especially oil marketers.

He pledged positive disposition of the association to continue to support his administration to succeed.

The chairman commended marketers for complying fully with the partial shutdown and attendance to the meeting, saying it was a great show of comradeship. (NAN)

Motorists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have expressed worry over the long queues being presently experienced due to scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) known as fuel.

The correspondent, who went round the town on Wednesday reports that long queues were seen at fuel stations due to scarcity of the product.

In the city centre, long queues were seen at TotalEnergies, Wuse, Zone 3, TotalEnergies by Audit House, Cornoil and TotalEnergies, opposite the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.

Along Kubwa express way, the NNPC Ltd. Retail Outlets opposite Salbas, Shema, AA Rano and Salbas fuel stations as well as Evergreen station inside Kubwa had long queues.

Along Airport Road, Rimaco fuel station and NNPC Ltd. retail outlet had long queues as well as stranded passengers.

The independent marketers sell between N680 to N700 per litre, while the NNPC Ltd. retail outlets maintain its pump price of N617 per litre.

The black marketers were also seen along he roads and in front of fuel stations making brisk business, selling at N1, 000 per litre of fuel.

Some of the motorists expressed sadness at the inconsistency and unavailability of fuel and its associated high price in the country.

They appealed to the Federal Government to resolve whatever the issues were.

Mr Kingsley Adeh, a motorist, complained that he spends more than N100, 000 in purchasing fuel on weekly basis but make no gain.

He said that this had forced many motorists to park their vehicles at home, thereby reducing traffic, while passengers, especially workers were left stranded daily at various bus stops.

However, an official of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), who spoke under condition of anonymity, said there was no PMS distribution challenge in the FCT.

He said almost every fuel station had PMS to sell and that the few stations with queues were those selling cheaper than others, especially the NNPC Ltd.’s retail outlet.

“I drove round the city centre and there were no queues except at the NNPC retail station,” he said.

Speaking newsmen, Alhaji Maigandi Garima, the President, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), said there were queues because people prefer to buy fuel from NNPC retail or stations that sell below the rate of independent marketers.

“That is the reason for the long queues but if you go to the independent marketers such as IPMAN, Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) and Depot and Petroleum Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (DAPMAN) you will not see much queues.

“The independent marketers sell higher because of the rate they buy from private depots while those that buy from the NNPC Ltd. depots sell cheaper.

“The ex-depot price for private depot is between N650 and N690, while the ex-depot price for NNPC Ltd. depot is N555 per litre,’’ he said. (NAN)