NEMC: Aliko Dangote Becomes Head of Nigeria End Malaria Council
President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Aliko Dangote, the head of the Dangote Group, as the leader of the Nigeria End Malaria Council (NEMC).
The president made this announcement in Abuja on Tuesday, August 16, after he launched the NEMC.
The 16-member council to be led by Dangote was charged by the president that beyond improving the quality of life, health, and well-being of Nigerians, the concerted strategy to tackle malaria had both public health as well as socio-economic benefits for the country.
Source: Facebook
He said:
‘‘Our inauguration today will therefore ensure that malaria elimination remains a priority on our agenda, with strong political commitment from leaders at all levels.
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‘‘Additionally, the End Malaria Council will provide a platform to advocate for more funding to protect and sustain progress made so far by our country, and put us on a pathway to ending malaria for good."
Buhari, who is worried that the disease remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, drew attention to the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s report of 2021 which said Nigeria accounts for 27 percent of cases of malaria and 32 percent of deaths across the globe.
His words:
‘‘Malaria infection can cause severe disease and complication in pregnant women and lead to high rates of miscarriages.
‘‘It is also responsible for a considerable proportion of deaths in infants and young children, with children under 5 years being the most vulnerable group affected. These are reasons we must not relent in fighting malaria.’’
As to why he chose Dangote to chair the council, President Buhari explained that it was in recognition of the track record and passion of Africa’s richest man in supporting initiatives on various health issues such as polio and primary health care system.
He expressed confidence that Dangote would bring his outstanding achievements to help the country achieve its goal of malaria elimination, adding that a group of eminent personalities, who have also made their mark across all walks of life, have been selected to work in the council.
Source: Legit.ng
