Civil Society Organisations under the umbrella of the Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunisation, and Nutrition (ACOMIN) have called on governments at all levels to mobilise community support and domestic resources to address funding shortfalls in the fight against malaria in Nigeria.

Speaking at a media briefing in Jalingo, Taraba State, on Monday, ACOMIN’s State Chairman, Alhaji Muhammed Danburam, emphasised the urgent need for sustainable community-driven financing mechanisms to control and eliminate malaria by 2030.

Danburam warned that declining donor support is severely limiting the capacity of healthcare facilities to prevent, diagnose, and treat malaria, especially in vulnerable communities.

He emphasised that government collaboration with communities and the private sector is crucial to bridging the widening funding gaps.

“Federal, state, and local governments must develop co-funding strategies that involve active community participation. Public-Private Partnerships should be promoted to enhance national and sub-national malaria response efforts,” he said.

He also urged wealthy individuals and philanthropists to support impactful initiatives such as environmental sanitation, health facility upgrades, and access to medical supplies. According to him, attracting donations from non-traditional sources is key to improving healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas.

Danburam highlighted the importance of revitalising Community Health Structures such as Ward Development Committees (WDCs) to drive grassroots efforts, including household sanitation, early testing, and public health education.

He further called on the private sector to view malaria as an economic challenge that affects workforce productivity and to support interventions such as the distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), health worker training, and facility improvements through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

“Traditional, religious, and community leaders must also play a vital role in encouraging community ownership and participation in malaria control efforts,” he added.

ACOMIN’s appeal reflects a growing consensus among health advocates that a multi-stakeholder approach integrating government, communities, and the private sector is essential to combat malaria in Nigeria sustainably.