Nigerian industrialist and Chairman of the National Malaria Elimination Council, Aliko Dangote, has called for urgent and coordinated action by governments and the private sector to eliminate malaria.
Speaking to mark World Malaria Day 2026, Dangote said progress had been made in the fight against malaria but remained uneven, particularly across sub-Saharan Africa, which still carries the overwhelming share of the global disease burden.
He noted that malaria continues to disproportionately affect children under five, pregnant women, displaced persons, and underserved communities, while placing severe pressure on healthcare systems and national economies.
According to him, scientific advances such as next-generation vaccines, improved diagnostics, and better surveillance systems mean the pathway to malaria elimination is clearer than ever before. He stressed that what is now required is large-scale and equitable implementation.
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Dangote also highlighted the important role of private companies in supporting prevention, early diagnosis, treatment programmes, and public awareness campaigns that complement government-led health strategies.
He said no single sector could defeat malaria alone, urging stronger partnerships between governments, businesses, civil society groups, development partners, and local communities to mobilise resources and innovation.
The business leader further warned that growing threats such as drug resistance and insecticide resistance must be addressed through sustained investment in research and adaptive strategies.
Dangote urged leaders to maintain policy momentum and funding commitments, insisting that a malaria-free world remains achievable with urgency, accountability, and united action.
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