FG unveils new malaria plan to cut deaths, infections by 50 per cent
The federal government has unveiled a new National Malaria Strategic Plan (2026–2030) aimed at cutting malaria infections and deaths by 50 per cent from 2025 levels, as part of renewed efforts to eliminate the disease in Nigeria.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, announced the plan on Monday during the 2026 World Malaria Day commemoration in Abuja, saying it reflects the government’s intensified commitment to public health under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said malaria elimination is a core national priority and not merely a policy slogan.
“Eliminating malaria and related diseases remains firmly at the centre of the Renewed Hope Agenda. It is not a slogan; it is a strategic priority,” Salako said.
According to him, the new strategy is designed with subnational tailoring to ensure interventions reflect the realities of different states and communities, and aligns with the National Health Sector Strategic Blueprint, the Sector-Wide Approach, and the WHO Global Technical Strategy.
Salako noted that malaria prevalence in Nigeria has declined from 42 per cent in 2010 to 15 per cent in 2025, but stressed the need to sustain progress.
He said the plan targets a 50 per cent reduction in malaria parasite prevalence and mortality by 2030.
The minister highlighted ongoing interventions, including the distribution of over 500 million insecticide-treated nets since 2015, with expanded coverage planned for 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory this year.
