Dangote Calls for Urgent Action to Eliminate Malaria

Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of Nigeria's National Malaria Elimination Council (NMEC) and a malaria ambassador, has urged both government and private sector stakeholders to take urgent coordinated action to eliminate malaria. Speaking on World Malaria Day 2026, Dangote emphasized that while there has been significant progress against malaria, the situation remains uneven, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, which bears 90 percent of the global disease burden.

He noted that malaria continues to exert immense pressure on health systems and economic progress, disproportionately affecting children under five, pregnant women, and displaced populations in underserved communities. Dangote pointed out that despite existing tools for malaria prevention and treatment, access remains inequitable, creating unacceptable gaps.

He highlighted that the global malaria response is at a pivotal moment, driven by scientific advancements, improved tools, and stronger partnerships, including next-generation vaccines and better diagnostic systems. He called for decisive, large-scale implementation of strategies to end malaria, underscoring the urgency for collective action.