Nigeria targets malaria-free status by year 2030
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a malaria-free nation by 2030 through a series of intensified preventive and treatment measures. As part of its efforts, the government aims to reach 30 million children with malaria preventive medicines and has made budgetary provisions to address funding gaps caused by the freeze in USAID/PMI malaria elimination activities.
Speaking during a virtual event commemorating World Malaria Day, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, announced that resources will support the procurement of essential malaria commodities, including Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs), diagnostic kits, and preventive medication for pregnant women. Treatments will be delivered through the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) Programme in 21 eligible states in the northern region.
This year’s World Malaria Day is themed “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reignite, Reimagine.” Dr. Salako further disclosed that efforts to expand access to insecticide-treated mosquito nets will be implemented in 12 states, including Akwa Ibom, Delta, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Oyo, Taraba, and Yobe.
Nigeria bears 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of deaths, according to the 2024 World Malaria Report. Describing the burden as “worrisome,” the Minister noted that malaria remains a major public health challenge, particularly impacting children under five and pregnant women, while also disrupting economic productivity and family incomes.
As part of the Rethinking Malaria Initiative, the government is introducing the malaria vaccine, which has already reached 80,000 children in Kebbi and Bayelsa states. The vaccination program will expand to 17 more states in 2025, targeting children aged 5 to 23 months. Additionally, Larval Source Management will be piloted in six states to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
Dr. Salako also announced the launch of the Rapid Impact Assessment and the Malaria Indicator Survey to monitor the effectiveness of interventions and inform future policy decisions. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his support and recognized contributions from domestic and international partners, including the Nigeria End Malaria Council chaired by Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, also highlighted the government’s sustained efforts against malaria, urging Nigerians to take symptoms seriously and seek prompt treatment at subsidized primary healthcare centers. “If you have malaria, go to the primary healthcare sector,” she advised.
She further noted that Nigeria’s interventions have yielded positive results, with a 20% reduction in malaria cases and a 25% decline in malaria-related deaths. She emphasized that collective action is crucial to finally eliminating the disease.
