Rotary commits $9.8m to combat malaria, diarrheal diseases in Nigeria

Olayinka Babalola, Rotary International’s president-elect for 2026/2027, says the humanitarian organisation has committed $9.8 million to combat malaria and diarrhoeal diseases in Nigeria.

Babalola spoke in Abuja on Tuesday during an interactive session with journalists.

Babalola was elected by Rotary International’s board of directors to lead the 1.4-million-member organisation, which operates through 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries. He will assume office in July 2026.

He said the 119-year-old organisation is scaling up projects to tackle malaria, diarrhoeal diseases, and gaps in immunisation coverage in Nigeria.

He said a $9.8 million initiative is already underway in Kebbi and other states, adding that the organisation builds on a successful $4 million pilot project in Zambia that reduced malaria cases by nearly 50 percent.

“We know what to do to finish the job. We’re committed to making a difference in Nigeria, and we’re working with the government to achieve our goals,” he said.

In Rotary’s decades-long fight against polio, Babalola said that while Nigeria has been certified free of wild poliovirus, variant cases remain a threat due to low immunisation coverage in some regions.

He said herd immunity requires at least 80 percent coverage, yet some states record as little as 13 percent.

“We need to continue to vaccinate our children. Until there are no more cases of polio, no child is safe,” he said.

He said the organisation has invested over $300 million in Nigeria to combat polio as part of a global $3 billion commitment to eradication, in addition to donating $14 million to strengthen surveillance and curb the spread of all poliovirus strains.

He also highlighted Rotary’s $2 million healthy families in Nigeria programme, which aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality by improving access to healthcare facilities.

He said beyond health initiatives, Rotary continues to invest in education and clean water.

Babalola said his presidency would bring African innovation to Rotary’s global agenda while scaling programmes that deliver measurable impact.

“This is a privilege to lead a global movement dedicated to creating lasting change, not only across communities but also within ourselves. It is an exciting development for Nigeria, Africa, and the entire Rotary world,” he said.