The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to eliminating malaria in Nigeria by 2030, reaffirming its resolve to tackle the disease that continues to impose a devastating toll on public health and economic growth.
According to the 2024 World Malaria Report, Nigeria bears the highest malaria burden globally, accounting for 27 per cent of all cases and 31 per cent of malaria-related deaths worldwide – a sobering statistic that underscores the urgent need for intensified action.
Speaking during a press briefing and roundtable discussion in Abuja on Friday to mark the 2025 World Malaria Day, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako described malaria as an enduring threat that is too often underestimated.
“Malaria is a persistent menace, particularly for children under five and pregnant women. Despite being preventable and treatable, it continues to wreak havoc on families and communities. Our response must be aggressive, focused and sustained,” Salako stated.
The event, themed “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” served as a national call to action for all sectors – government, civil society, the private sector and individuals – to unite in the fight against one of Nigeria’s deadliest diseases.
Salako announced several key interventions aimed at accelerating progress. He disclosed that the malaria vaccine rollout, launched in December 2024 in Kebbi and Bayelsa states, will be expanded to 17 more states this year. The campaign targets children aged 5 to 23 months and is part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to reduce malaria-related mortality.
Additionally, insecticide-treated mosquito nets will be distributed in 12 states, including Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, and Oyo, while over 30 million children in 21 northern states will benefit from seasonal malaria chemo-prevention (SMC).
To further disrupt mosquito breeding grounds, the government will also pilot a vector control strategy known as Larval Source Management in six states – Lagos, Ekiti, Borno, Plateau, Rivers and Bauchi.
Salako acknowledged the recent disruption in malaria intervention services following the “Stop Work Order” issued by the U.S. Government, which froze USAID/PMI-funded activities in Nigeria. He assured the public that budgetary allocations had been made to bridge the funding gap and ensure continued delivery of essential malaria commodities, including ACTs, rapid diagnostic test kits and injectable artesunate.
He also revealed plans to carry out a rapid impact assessment and a malaria indicator survey later in the year to better evaluate progress and inform future policies.
Recognising the crucial role of partnerships, the minister praised the Nigeria End Malaria Council, chaired by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for galvanising private sector engagement. He called on more businesses to contribute funding and technical support toward malaria elimination.
Salako extended appreciation to frontline health workers, media professionals and international partners such as the Global Fund, WHO, UNICEF, and the Malaria Consortium for their sustained support.
“This is a national emergency. Our response must reflect that urgency. Malaria ends with us – all of us. Government, communities, the private sector and individuals must take responsibility,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to sleep under treated mosquito nets, maintain clean surroundings, seek early diagnosis and treatment and remain steadfast in their commitment to achieving a malaria-free Nigeria.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It affects red blood cells and can result in severe complications and death if untreated.
While the disease is most prevalent in tropical regions like sub-Saharan Africa, it is both preventable and treatable through a combination of vaccines, insecticide-treated nets, and antimalarial medications.
World Malaria Day 2025 serves as a clarion call to reinvest in solutions, reimagine strategies and reignite global momentum in the fight to end malaria for good.
