By Zainab Shuaibu Abdullahi
The Chairman of Nigeria’s National Malaria Elimination Council (NMEC) and United Nations Malaria Ambassador, Aliko Dangote, has called for intensified and coordinated efforts by governments and the private sector to eliminate malaria, describing the current moment as critical in the global fight against the disease.
Speaking to mark World Malaria Day 2026, Dangote acknowledged that although significant progress has been made in combating malaria, the gains remain uneven, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, which continues to bear over 90 percent of the global burden.
He noted that despite advances in prevention and treatment, malaria remains one of the deadliest diseases worldwide, disproportionately affecting children under five, pregnant women, displaced populations, and underserved communities. The disease, he added, continues to place immense pressure on health systems and economies across the region.
“Progress against malaria is real, but it remains deeply unequal,” Dangote said. “Too many people still lack access to life-saving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This gap is unacceptable when the tools to end malaria already exist.”
Dangote highlighted that the global response has reached a pivotal stage, driven by scientific breakthroughs such as next-generation vaccines, improved diagnostics, and data-driven surveillance systems. According to him, the pathway to eliminating malaria is now clearer than ever, but requires decisive and large-scale implementation.
He also underscored the importance of this year’s theme, “Driven to end malaria: now we can. Now we must,” which reflects both the urgency and the opportunity for collective global action.
Emphasising the role of the private sector, Dangote said that coordinated interventions through workplace and community-based programmes can significantly complement public health strategies. He noted that Dangote Industries Limited has continued to support malaria prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment initiatives.
“Aligned and well-coordinated private sector action can deliver measurable impact and significantly reinforce national malaria control programmes,” he stated.
Dangote stressed that no single sector can tackle malaria alone, calling for stronger public-private partnerships involving governments, businesses, development partners, civil society, and local communities to mobilise resources and innovation at scale.
He also warned of emerging threats such as drug and insecticide resistance, urging sustained investment in research and adaptive strategies to safeguard progress made so far.
“The path to a malaria-free world is clear. We have the tools. We have the knowledge,” he said. “What we need now is urgency, sustained investment, and collective accountability.”
Dangote concluded by urging governments to sustain policy momentum and funding, calling on the private sector to expand proven interventions and encouraging development partners to continue supporting high-burden regions.
“Together—driven by purpose and united in action—we can end malaria,” he added. “Now we can. Now we must.”