By Abdullahi O Haruna Haru-spice
Dr. Chioma Amajoh, affectionately known as “Mama Malaria,” has spent over three decades at the vanguard of the fight against Malaria, one of Africa’s most persistent Public Health challenges. Her tireless work in Research, Policy formulation, Advocacy, and Implementation has earned her a reputation as a formidable figure in the Global effort to Eliminate Malaria.
As the National Coordinator for the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) in Nigeria, Amajoh’s Leadership has been pivotal. Her commitment is underscored by her hands-on approach and unwavering dedication, which has seen her traversing the breadth of Nigeria to Implement and Monitor Malaria Control Strategies. One such initiative is Larval Sorce Management (LSM), a supplementary measure for Malaria Vector Control, that targets the larval stages of mosquitoes. She also contributed to the Global WHO Operational Manual for LSM.
Amajoh emphasizes Community Participation and Ownership in these interventions, recognizing that local engagement is crucial for sustainable impact.
Reflecting on her journey, Amajoh often recounts the early days of her career when she would visit remote Communities, armed with nothing but determination and basic equipment. These trips, she recalls, were not without their challenges. In one memorable instance, her team was stranded in a flood-prone area during a particularly fierce rainy season. The Speed boat she and her team engaged nearly in night hours capsized.
Her work extends beyond national borders. As a Consultant to the Prince Ned Nwoko Foundation Malaria Elimination Project, Amajoh advises on strategies for Elimination of Malaria across Africa.
She also made outstanding Global impact in the Fight against Malaria. She was a Temporary Advisor to WHO African Regional Office (AFRO). That afforded her opposition as Consultant to Monitor activities in Several African countries, including War affected Sierra Leone. She was also a Member of the African Network on Vector Resistance (ANVR), that extensively transversed African Countries to Monitor the Susceptibility of Malaria Vectors.
She held some positions at the Global level of WHO Malaria Control, including Membership of Vector Control Technical Expert Group (VECTEG). She also contributed to a number of the Global WHO Training and Implementation Manuals on Malaria Control.
However, all these efforts still had their several challenges and impediments. She recalled that once they were working in Post War Freetown, Sierra Leone when they heard bomb explosives very close to their operation site.
Despite these challenging conditions, Amajoh’s resolve was forged. “The absence of Political Will to fight the disease has always been a significant hurdle,” she laments. However, her perseverance in the face of such obstacles has been nothing short of inspiring.
Amajoh’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She was honored with Africa’s Living Legend Award, a testament to her significant impact on the continent’s development. Her accolades also include the PAMCA WIVC Excellence Award (Senior category), which she received in recognition of her extensive research on Mosquito Vectors and Malaria Elimination efforts. This award, she notes, reflects “the endless hours spent on Research and Studies on Malaria Vectors and Disease Management,” highlighting her relentless pursuit of Knowledge and Solutions
In 2019, her Efforts were further acknowledged by the Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) with an Award.
Through the Community Vision Initiative (CVI), which she founded, Amajoh has been able to channel her passion for Public Health into grassroots action. The CVI focuses on educating communities about malaria prevention and encouraging environmental cleanliness to reduce mosquito breeding sites. This grassroots approach ensures that the fight against malaria is not just top-down but involves those most affected by the disease.
Amajoh’s journey is marked by her nickname, “Mama Malaria,” a title that signifies her maternal dedication to a cause that affects millions. Her work has not only saved countless lives but also inspired a new generation of public health advocates. Through her story, we see a blend of scientific rigor, community involvement, and an unyielding spirit—a combination that continues to drive the fight against malaria forward.
As the world looks toward a malaria-free future, Amajoh’s Contributions serve as a reminder of what can be achieved with dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to public health. Her story is not just one of personal triumph but a testament to the power of collective action in overcoming even the most daunting challenges.