Nigeria will soon commence the local production of insecticide-treated mosquito nets as part of renewed efforts to reduce dependence on foreign imports in the fight against malaria.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this at a high-level meeting on malaria elimination held in Abuja on Wednesday. The event was themed: “Harnessing Africa’s Central Role for the Big Push Against Malaria.”
Pate revealed that the world’s largest manufacturer of insecticide-treated nets is set to establish a production plant in Nigeria, a development he described as a major boost to the country’s malaria control strategy.
“Local production of these nets will not only cut down reliance on imports but also create jobs, strengthen the health system, and ensure sustainable access to one of the most effective malaria prevention tools,” the minister said.
Nigeria accounts for nearly 27% of the global malaria burden, with millions of cases reported annually despite decades of intervention programs. Experts believe that local manufacturing of bed nets will help improve distribution, affordability, and availability across the country.
The Abuja meeting brought together African health leaders, development partners, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for accelerating malaria elimination on the continent.
