The FCT branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN-FCT) has urged increased domestic funding toward eliminating malaria.
Chairman of PSN-FCT, Ms Salamatu Orakwelu, made the call in a statement issued to journalists on Sunday, to mark the 2025 World Malaria Day (WMD).
She described the theme, ‘Malaria Ends with Us – Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite’, as timely and urgent, calling for greater investment in malaria control programmes.
Orakwelu also advocated for stronger support for research, improved access to quality antimalarials, better supply chains, and enhanced community-based prevention efforts.
According to her, malaria remains one of Nigeria’s most serious public health issues, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of the global malaria burden.
She stated that in spite of FCT’s efforts, malaria still causes over 60 per cent of outpatient visits and about 30 per cent of hospital admissions.
She noted that this burden is especially high among vulnerable groups such as children under five and pregnant women.
“As pharmacists, we call for more domestic funding and investment in malaria control programmes,” she stated.
She stressed the need for better support for research, wider access to quality medicines, stronger supply chains, and more community prevention initiatives.
“Reinvestment must also empower local manufacturers to produce high-quality antimalarial medicines and commodities,” she added.
She urged stakeholders to reimagine malaria elimination through innovative, sustainable strategies, including pharmacist-led interventions in community education.
Orakwelu recommended integrating digital health technologies for quicker diagnosis, treatment, and reporting of malaria cases.
She also emphasised leveraging public-private partnerships to boost malaria prevention efforts across the FCT.
“Imagine a future where every household can easily access rapid diagnostic tests and ACTs from a licensed pharmacy,” she stated.
Orakwelu stressed that the fight against malaria must not slow down, urging renewed commitment at all levels of government and society.
She called for stronger advocacy, the revival of school and community sensitisation campaigns, and strict adherence to treatment guidelines.
The Chairman assured that pharmacists in the FCT are ready and committed to leading this critical effort.
She appealed to the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) to partner with PSN-FCT on targeted malaria prevention programmes.
She urged focusing on underserved communities like Abaji, Kwali, and Kuje to ensure better access to malaria prevention services.
She concluded that ending malaria is achievable, but requires the decision, dedication, and action of all stakeholders.
“Let us all reinvest, reimagine, and reignite the path to a malaria-free Nigeria,” she stressed.
NAN
