As international donor support for malaria control efforts continues to shrink, the Gombe State Coordinator of the Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition, Hassana Maisanda, has issued a passionate appeal for increased local resource mobilisation to sustain the gains recorded in the fight against malaria.
Speaking on the ongoing Global Fund-supported Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) initiative being implemented by ACOMIN in Gombe and 12 other states, Maisanda stressed the urgent need for communities, private sector actors, and government at all levels to take ownership of healthcare interventions.
“Nigeria has made significant progress in malaria control through the distribution and use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), improved diagnosis, increased access to treatment, and grassroots health education,” she said. “However, those gains are now at risk due to declining donor funding and the broader economic downturn.”
Maisanda described the fight against malaria as being at “a critical crossroads,” warning that Nigeria can no longer afford to rely entirely on foreign assistance.
“We must move away from a dependency-based model and transition to one rooted in local ownership and sustainability. The future of malaria control lies within — in our communities, in our commitment, and in our collective action,” she said.
According to her, when communities invest in health systems, transparency and accountability improve. “People are more likely to monitor the use of resources and demand better services. Locally driven efforts are also more relevant because they reflect the realities and needs of the people,” she added.
Maisanda noted that locally funded systems are also more resilient and responsive to emergencies such as stockouts and outbreaks. “They allow for faster, targeted interventions when they are most needed,” she explained.
In Gombe State, the community-led monitoring model has already started yielding tangible results, according to the ACOMIN Coordinator. She highlighted several achievements made this year:
“We have witnessed the construction and renovation of health facilities, the digging and repair of boreholes, and the supply of water to facilities by well-to-do community members,” she stated.
Maisanda also noted that many communities have now taken full ownership of their health facilities. “They pay electricity bills, recruit and pay volunteers, and carry out minor repairs to keep the facilities running.”
Other milestones, she said, include an increase in early antenatal registration, more women choosing to give birth in health facilities, and a reduction in self-medication due to greater awareness and trust in public healthcare services.
“We’ve also seen facilities sharing equipment with others in need — such as beds, delivery beds, and blood pressure monitors — in a show of solidarity,” she revealed.
Maisanda used the opportunity to issue a call to action:
“To the communities and citizens, revive or strengthen your health development committees. Focus on household-level prevention — encourage proper net use, early testing, and health education,” she urged.
She also called on the private sector to step up, stating, “Malaria is not just a health issue; it’s a productivity issue. Through corporate social responsibility, businesses can support ITN campaigns, facility improvements, and the training of health workers.”
Maisanda appealed to philanthropists and high-net-worth individuals to support high-impact interventions such as facility upgrades and net distribution. “Your structured donations can inspire others and improve healthcare in our most vulnerable communities,” she said.
Finally, she urged the government at all levels to meet their funding obligations. “Government must increase malaria budgets, fulfill financing commitments, and promote public-private partnerships, especially in underserved areas,” she emphasized.
ACOMIN’s CLM project, supported under the Global Fund GC7 grant, is currently active in 13 states including Gombe, covering 130 LGAs, 260 wards, and an equal number of health facilities.
“Sustaining the impact of this project requires active participation and investment from both communities and local government leadership,” Maisanda concluded.
The ACOMIN State Programme Officer, Samuel Chuwang, urged Executive Directors to show the needed zeal.
Chuwang said, “There are better cbos who can do the work. Is this how we are going to achieve the sustainability plan; if we are together we can achieve. From the Coordinator’s presentation we have 13 states implementing this but how is Gombe State carrying it out. Gombe is expected to work in tandem with the vision of ACOMIN and Global Fund. Let’s chart solution so the state can progress.”
Also, Programme Manager, Gombe State Malaria Elimination Programme Ubayo Ali, disclosed that Global Fund has supported Nigeria with over $400 million dollar.
“However, they have cut it to over $200 million dollar that is about 50 percent; It’s time for CBOs to wake up and start resource mobilisation campaign, we can identify the influential people in this state and if they support we must utilise it for that purpose. More than 50 percent of Gombe State population can’t procure single dose of Malaria drug and its the cheapest drugs among Tuberculosis and HIV,” he added.
On his part, Rev Billison Agwala, encouraged stakeholders’ dedication to the malaria elimination.
He said, “I have been attending programmes organised by ACOMIN and I believe that our best is expected especially now that our resource mobilisation is shrinking.”
Agwala continued saying “I want to encourage us both those in leadership to ensure hard work. This is a life saving project so it requires commitment for the sustainability of the project.”
District Head of Jesu, Maina Laban who was represented by Voyamba Jesse, said “We should look at the sustainability because it is the goal. When we show commitment God Almighty will bless your efforts.”
