ACOMIN Urges Local Funding to Sustain Malaria Fight Amid Declining Foreign Aid

 

The Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization, and Nutrition (ACOMIN) has called for increased domestic funding to sustain malaria control programs following a decline in international donor support.  

The appeal was made on Monday in Damaturu during a media briefing on the Global Fund Malaria Community-Led Monitoring Project, implemented by ACOMIN in Yobe State.  

Yobe State Programme Officer(ACOMIN) Muktar Mohammed Shehu acknowledged Nigeria’s gains in malaria control, including widespread distribution of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs), improved diagnostic testing, and community awareness campaigns.However, he warned that dwindling donor funds and economic challenges could reverse these achievements.  

"The fight against malaria in Nigeria is at a critical juncture,With foreign aid shrinking,we must shift from dependency to self-reliance by mobilizing local resources,"said Shehu.

He emphasized that community-driven funding ensures transparency, accountability, and faster response to health emergencies.

"When Nigerians invest in their own healthcare systems, interventions become more effective and sustainable,"he added.  

On his part,Yobe ACOMIN Chairman, Sheriff Ibrahim Kura noted that while the Global Fund has been instrumental in supporting malaria programs, recent reductions in grants have constrained project coverage.  

"The Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) initiative, active in 13 states including Yobe, empowers communities to!Identify gaps in healthcare services,advocate for improvements and mobilize local resources to sustain interventions,"said Kura 

 

Kura highlighted recent successes under the project, such as renovation and fencing of Primary Health Centers in Fune and Nangere LGAs,Provision of malaria drugs in Jakusko LGA and installation of solar power and boreholes in select health facilities. 

ACOMIN urged key stakeholders to take action such as communities to strengthen health committees to promote net use and early treatment while private sector support malaria programs through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

"Government should Increase health budgets and meet funding commitments and Traditional & Religious Leaders Advocate for proper net usage and hold leaders accountable ".