The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a malaria modelling programme with the goal of achieving zero malaria prevalence by 2025.
The initiative was announced during the launch of the first cohort of malaria modelling fellows in Abuja, as stated by Dr. Perpetua Uhomoibhi, the National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme.
Dr. Uhomoibhi explained that the malaria modelling programme involves analyzing data in various contexts to make informed decisions regarding malaria programs and elimination efforts.
Although the country’s current malaria prevalence stands at 22 percent, there have been improvements in the population’s care-seeking behavior.
Malaria transmission involves several factors, including epidemiological and entomological aspects, vector behavior, socioeconomic factors, and urbanization.
By utilizing models and analyzing available data, the program aims to identify areas with the highest disease burden and the contributing factors.
This information will enable the development of tailored interventions specific to each context, thereby assisting in the understanding of disease transmission and facilitating targeted interventions.
Dr. Uhomoibhi emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating malaria by 2025 through the use of data for disease tracking and prevention.
Dr. Chinwe Ochu, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted that the malaria modelling fellowship will provide training to experts, equipping them with the skills to guide targeted interventions in areas with the greatest need.
The objective is to reduce malaria prevalence in Nigeria to a pre-elimination phase.
Dr. Ismail Raji, one of the fellows participating in the programme, emphasized the significance of accurate data in reducing the malaria burden.
The fellowship, a collaborative effort between Corona Management Systems, the National Malaria Elimination Programme, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization, will offer participants a comprehensive curriculum covering essential modelling content, in-depth knowledge of malaria epidemiology and transmission dynamics, and other modules crucial for their careers in malaria modelling.