Percy Onyeka
Resolving one of Nigeria’s most pressing health emergencies, powerful religious leaders have demanded more domestic funding and government involvement in the fight against malaria.
The request was made on Tuesday during the 9th Board of Trustees meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Faith Action Association (NIFAA), which was held in Abuja.
Chaired by NIFAA Co-Chairs, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the high-profile assembly brought together faith leaders and stakeholders dedicated to the nation’s health and prosperity.
The gathering signified a landmark in Nigeria’s healthcare journey, as faith leaders collectively voice their support for a more robust and resilient Nigeria, free of the burdens imposed by malaria.
A communique released at the end of the meeting delineated their unified position and planned initiatives, while reasserting the vital contribution of the faith community in health-related endeavors.
They advocated for a unified campaign to create internal resources dedicated to malaria-related activities.
The Board implored the Nigerian government to prioritize healthcare, with a particular focus on combating malaria, and pledged to utilize their extensive networks to collaborate with state governors and other key players to enhance financial support for the eradication of malaria.
Co-signed by the religious leaders and the Executive Director of the Nigerian Inter-Faith Action Association (NIFAA), Bishop Sunday Onuoha, the communique was more than a mere call to action; it was a testament to the organization’s dedication to partnering with the Ministry of Health and additional governmental bodies to meet the health and societal necessities of the Nigerian populace.
The communique partly read, “Rising from the meeting, the Board declared as follows:
“The role of the faith community in health interventions cannot be over-emphasized.
“The rate of mortality as a result of malaria, especially among pregnant women and under 5 children is very high and efforts by all stakeholders to contain it is needed
“A concerted and sustainable effort is needed towards generating funding internally for malaria activities
“The Board calls on the Nigeria government at all levels to give more attention to the health needs of the citizens, especially to malaria, which poses one of the most common health challenges in Nigeria with high mortality rate
“The Board is committed to utilizing its networks to engage with the state governors and other relevant stakeholders not only of the eight (8) PMI states but across the country for increased funding commitment for malaria elimination.
“We ask for increase in the number of states supported by U.S Presidential Malaria Initiative (PMI)
“NIFAA will continue to work with the Ministry of Health and other agencies of government in order to address the health and other social needs of Nigerians.”
The Board, which includes Prof. Samson Fatokun, Prof. Afis Ayinde Oladosun, Elder Abiodun Ogunsote, and Dr. Abikoye Olatayo, reflected on the journey of NIFAA since its inception in 2009.
They unanimously lauded the organization for its effective mobilization of faith leaders in spearheading health campaigns and promoting behavioral changes to address various health issues in Nigeria.
While acknowledging the support from international donors and partners, the Board underscored the urgent need for the Nigerian government at all levels to make health interventions a priority.
The Board pointed to the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (PMI-S) project as an example of commendable external support; however, they stressed the necessity for state governments to increase their budgetary allocations for malaria control activities.
Techrectory with Agency Report
