World Malaria Day: Oyo Government announces measures to combat disease
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Oyo State Government has embarked on new measures to eradicate malaria in the state by operationalizing the Malaria Reference Laboratory to ensure accurate diagnoses and prompt, effective treatment for every suspected case.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, disclosed this at the 2025 World Malaria Day celebration held at Akinyele Local Government Secretariat, Moniya, Ibadan. She explained that Governor Seyi Makinde had released counterpart funds for the forthcoming insecticide-treated net campaign, aimed at ensuring every household receives and uses the nets.
Speaking on the theme for this year’s celebration, “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite” with the slogan “Stay Committed,” the Commissioner revealed that the Ministry of Health had intensified community sensitization, expanded access to rapid diagnostic testing and treatment, trained frontline health workers and volunteers, and enhanced surveillance and reporting systems. These efforts are in partnership with private organizations, religious bodies, ward development committees, the National Malaria Elimination Programme, PMI-S, GHSC-PSM, WHO, Rotary International, and the Malaria Consortium.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Akinyele Local Government Area, Hon. Akinwale Akinyele, commended the Ministry of Health for ensuring that people at the grassroots benefit from the free malaria intervention project.
The Chairman, represented by the Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs. Olaronke Ige, encouraged residents of Akinyele to take malaria prevention seriously by properly using insecticide-treated nets and promptly visiting appropriate healthcare facilities for diagnosis and treatment.
He also praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his outstanding performance across all sectors, particularly in efforts toward achieving Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In separate remarks, representatives of the World Health Organization, Breakthrough Action Nigeria, the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI-S), GHSC-PSM, Malaria Consortium, and others lauded the Oyo State Government for creating an enabling environment for effective partnerships. They assured the government of their continuous collaboration and support toward achieving zero malaria in the state.
The event concluded with free malaria testing, distribution of preventive materials, health education sessions, and a road walk to raise public awareness across various communities.
