• Holds stakeholders’ conference

By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

A non-governmental organisation, Diaspora Solution Group Nigeria, has launched a project for the eradication of malaria in Nigeria.

The group, founded by Nigerian-American professionals in the United States of America, brought together scientists within and outside the country with a view to controlling the tide of the disease.

The malaria attenuation project, according to the group, was to help Nigeria overcome malaria once and for all by editing the disease causing gene in the insect.

The group’s President, Soba Oyeleke, while speaking at a national conference it organised on the elimination of malaria in Nigeria, on Saturday in Osogbo, Osun State, said millions of Nigerians are still at risk of malaria disease despite efforts by the government.

Oyeleke noted that the project was initiated by Nigerians, adding that the conference brought together experts, institutions and stakeholders who were committed to science, collaboration and measurable progress.

He said, “Our focus is clear: To explore emerging tools, assess evidence, share experience and align on pathways that can support safer and more effective malaria control interventions.

“For decades, malaria has remained one of Nigeria’s deadliest health challenges. While progress has been made, millions remain at risk. At DSGN, we believe Nigeria is ready for a bolder, science-driven approach to tackle the problem at a genetic and biological level.

“The conference is to eradicate malaria. It has been done in about 35 countries and we believe we can also do it. One of our members brought the project, and we are working on it.

“We have a lot of collaborators, professionals who are willing to help us. We raised the funds ourselves. We know it is going to take some time but we believe it is going to be successful.”

Oyeleke further said the group will be moving to the pilot stage, urging government and other stakeholders to collaborate for the success of the project.

One of the speakers, a Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Olusegun Ademowo, in his presentation, said Nigerians remain the biggest obstacles in winning the war against malaria in the country.

Prof. Ademowo said Nigerians’ attitude fuels the existence of malaria, noting that people need to change their attitudes and embrace a clean environment to eradicate the disease.

“The biggest obstacle in winning the war against malaria is all of us actually. Because it is our attitude that is helping malaria to continue to exist. Like I always tell people, what causes malaria does not have legs or wings, yet it moves from one person to another. So we need to change our attitude.”

The academic also said, “If many organisations and individuals emulate what DSGN is doing, we are going to go a long way in eradicating and controlling malaria.”

 Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke who was represented at the conference by the state Commissioner for Health, Barr. Jola Akintola, said his administration is committed to advancing public health and promoting the well-being of Osun people.

“Malaria has, for too long, claimed precious lives, drained our resources, and stifled economic productivity. But I am confident that through collaboration, innovation, and active community engagement, we can and will rewrite this narrative.

“Our administration is fully committed to strengthening healthcare delivery, supporting wide-reaching awareness campaigns, and providing resources for sustainable prevention and effective treatment. The fight against malaria is not one the government can win alone; it requires the collective resolve of health professionals, researchers, development partners, and our communities,” Adeleke noted.

Meanwhile, Professor Fauziyah Sulaiman stressed the need for the deployment of health digital app to ensure effective advocacy and monitoring of the disease in a bid to tackle it spread.