BY SOLA OGUNDIPE & CHIOMA OBINNA

Worried about the alarming deaths from malaria related cases, the Federal government is facilitating availability of effective and affordable antimalarial drugs at every public health institution including private hospitals across the nation.

Through the Federal Ministry of Health and its partners the Affordable Medicine Facility for Malaria(AMfm) has commenced, for provision of Artemisinin Combination Therapy(ACT)- recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) at a low cost of N80.00.

Cross section of participants led by Permanent Secretary (3rd left) Ministry of Health, Mr. Linus Awute last Tuesday during the flag off of the 2011 WORLD MALARIA DAY rally at the Berger Junction, Abuja, last Tuesday,

Presently, prices of ACTs in Nigeria range from N650 – N1,500 depending on the brand and place of purchase. This situation has forced many Nigerians to stick to the monotherapy treatment already phased out by the WHO. Unfortunately, this has led to drug resistance and even deaths in treatment of malaria.

Over one million people die from malaria yearly – which translates to one person every 30 seconds. The most vulnerable groups remain pregnant women and children under five years.

Announcing the price cut last week during the 2011 Dinner With Media Executives to mark this year’s World Malaria Day in Lagos, Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, hinted that the government decided to subsidise the production of ACT because it remains the best treatment for uncomplicated malaria.

Chukwu further announced at the media event organised by National Malaria Control and Vector Programme for 2011 World Malaria Day and sponsored by Mobil Producing Nigeria Forum organised by that the global fund was already subsidising its production by 90 per cent.

Continuing, he told the gathering that plans are already in top gear with a private sector-led initiative, Affordable Medicine Facility for Malaria(AMfm), with a view to bringing down the cost of the drug.

According to Chukwu, in the next few weeks, ACT will be available in all registered pharmacies all over the country for as low as N80. He, however, explained that although these drugs may be sold at private outfits at N8.00, they will be given out free in publc hospitals.

Still reminding the nation that Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets(LLITNs) still remained a significant national policy in the treatment of malaria in the country, he directed all hoteliers, individuals as well as other institutions must embrace the use of the nets.

In his remarks Medical & Occupational Health Department, Mobil Producing Nigeria, Dr. Mohammed B Aliyu, who noted that malaria is both preventable and treatable called for concerted efforts to towards the eradication of malaria in the country.

Aliyu stated that ExxonMobil and ExxonMobil Foundation has made cumulative contributions in cash grants and services worth over $100m in the fight to reduce the impact of the scourge worldwide.

He said in Nigeria alone, ExxonMobil and partners through efforts focus on prevention, education and treatment of malaria has treated over N2, 300 children with ACTs while a total of 65,000 children have benefitted from the free nets distribution.