Chukwu made the announcement at the inauguration of the ‘Affordable Medicine Facility for Malaria’ programme, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
“The Federal Government had phased out Chloroquine since 2004, so there is the need to effect this policy,” the minister said.
He called on Nigerians to stop taking Chloroquine, stressing that the ministry was working with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to stop its importation.
He said, “The use of Chloroquine as treatment against malaria is no longer effective, so Nigerians need to get used to using Artemisinin Combination Therapy.
“The launch is to communicate quality, accessible, affordable and available effective malaria treatment with ACT within 24 hours of onset of symptoms to the populace.”
Chukwu stated that ACT was free and available in all government-owned hospitals and at primary health centres across the country.
“The Federal Government has made the provision of the drugs in government hospitals free. So, l want to urge private hospitals to ensure that the dosage price should not be more than N75.
“The ACT will contribute to the national goal, which is aimed at achieving 50 per cent reduction in malaria related deaths,” Chukwu added.
The minister said the intervention strategy was in partnership with the Global Fund to reduce malaria mortality by expanding access to ACT.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the National Malaria Control Programme, Dr. Babajide Coker, said the organisation had intensified its efforts at eradicating malaria in the country.
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