National Malaria Program (PNLP) press conference: Coordinator calls for greater stakeholder participation in eliminating malaria by 2030.

The Coordinator of the National Malaria Program (PNLP), Dr. ABU Yahaya, held a press conference at his headquarters on Friday, April 26, 2024, as part of the celebration of World Malaria Day. For the Coordinator, through this activity it is about clarifying the National Malaria Control Strategy, focusing on three components, namely behavior change (hygiene and sanitation), specific interventions and case management.

In his opening remarks, the PNLP coordinator recalled that malaria is a real health problem in Niger. “From 2017 to 2022, the number of cases increased, despite all the measures taken. Of course, there are parameters that we can present and justify, but we believe that the challenge facing us all is to reverse this trend and achieve the goal of eliminating this disease by 2030,” he said. .

From an epidemiological point of view, the coordinator added, more than 5 million cases were recorded in 2022, 48% of which were children under 5 years of age. “This is a marginalized group that has suffered greatly. Unfortunately, out of 5,357,153 cases, we recorded 5,678 deaths, including 63% among children aged 0 to 5 years. These numbers worry us. This has prompted us, during the development of the National Strategic Plan 2023-2026, to review certain strategies or consider strengthening certain strategies. We cannot do without malaria when the vector is circulating,” he said.

The PNLP coordinator insisted on behavior change, especially in the area of ​​hygiene and sanitation. “This is an important aspect. Neither NLP nor the ministry can act in this direction. This is a question that worries everyone. District leaders, local authorities, civil society, religious leaders, economic operators, entrepreneurs – each individually has a role to play and actively participate in the fight against malaria,” elaborates Dr. ABU Yahaya. He then outlined specific interventions, such as treatment for intermittent malaria, which helps prevent malaria in pregnant women and protect the baby. There is also chemoprophylaxis for seasonal malaria. “Every time it rains, we distribute medicine to children aged 3 to 59 months. Depending on the areas, we make 3, 4 or 5 passes. These are intermittent passages and it depends on the amount of rainfall in the area,” he said.

Regarding case management, the PNLP coordinator mentioned a direct case management strategy that is implemented in all health facilities up to the community level through community linkages.

The PNLP coordinator returned to the reasons for choosing the theme of the Day. “WHO collects data from different countries and analyzes it. We started with the postulate or observation that the situation has not improved from 2017 to 2022. That’s why WHO calls us to ensure justice. Because if somewhere children get malaria more often than adults, then we acted dishonestly. And when we see pregnant women, we must do everything possible to provide them with real protection. So the topic is a question,” he said. Dr. ABU Yahaya announced that means are being created to achieve this goal through awareness-raising and engagement activities for all stakeholders. Regarding the malaria vaccine, the malaria program coordinator confirmed that this process is already underway. “We are doing this. And soon it will begin in certain localities, selected according to a certain number of criteria. We will make sure to wait for the right moment. Of course, the vaccine is part of the control, but the solution is hygiene and sanitation through the evacuation of stagnant water and others. The vaccine will be a reserve one,” he emphasized.

Farida Ibrahim Assoumane (ONEP)