Nigeria, April 25 -- West African nations have taken a decisive step in the battle against malaria, approving a far-reaching regional plan aimed at wiping out the disease by 2035. The strategy sets bold targets, including a 90 per cent drop in malaria cases, zero fatalities linked to the disease, and complete elimination in at least three countries within the subregion.

The landmark decision was reached on Saturday during the 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Health Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States, convened by the West African Health Organisation in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The gathering reinforced the urgency of intensifying the fight against malaria while also improving maternal and child health outco...