The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating malaria in the country by 2030. Nigeria, which accounts for 27 percent of global malaria cases and 31 percent of deaths, remains the world’s most affected country by the disease, according to the 2024 World Malaria Report. This announcement was made on Friday during a roundtable discussion marking the 2025 World Malaria Day in Abuja, where the Federal Government outlined new strategies to combat the disease.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, highlighted the persistent threat malaria poses to public health and economic stability. He described the disease as often underestimated despite its devastating impact, especially on children under five and pregnant women. He called for an aggressive, focused, and sustained response to the malaria challenge, stating that the country must not relent in its efforts.
The theme for this year’s World Malaria Day, “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reignite, Reimagine,” reflects the urgency and renewed focus on eradicating the disease. To further this cause, the Nigerian government is rolling out several new interventions, starting with the malaria vaccine, which began in December 2024 in Kebbi and Bayelsa states. This vaccine will be expanded to 17 more states in 2025, specifically targeting children aged 5 to 23 months.
In addition to the vaccine rollout, the government is distributing insecticide-treated nets in 12 states, including Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, and Oyo. Over 30 million children across 21 northern states will also benefit from Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC), a preventive measure aimed at reducing malaria transmission during the peak malaria season.
Dr. Salako also announced the pilot of a new vector control strategy called Larval Source Management (LSM), which will be implemented in six states, including Lagos, Ekiti, and Borno. The strategy focuses on disrupting mosquito breeding grounds to reduce the number of mosquitoes that spread the disease.
Despite challenges such as the disruption in malaria intervention services due to a “Stop Work Order” from the United States Government, which froze USAID/PMI activities, Dr. Salako assured Nigerians that the government has made budgetary provisions to bridge funding gaps. These provisions ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential commodities such as antimalarial treatments (ACTs), rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits, and injectable artesunate.
The Nigerian government is also planning to conduct a Rapid Impact Assessment and a Malaria Indicator Survey to evaluate progress and better inform future policy decisions. Dr. Salako further highlighted the critical role of the private sector in supporting the fight against malaria, urging businesses to contribute both financially and technically. He acknowledged the Nigeria End Malaria Council, chaired by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for its efforts in mobilizing resources.
He also praised frontline health workers and media professionals for their dedication in raising awareness and delivering services. The Minister expressed gratitude to international partners like the Global Fund, WHO, UNICEF, and the Malaria Consortium, who have been instrumental in supporting Nigeria’s malaria control efforts.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. It is preventable and treatable, with measures like insecticide-treated mosquito nets, antimalarial drugs, and vaccines playing a key role in controlling its spread. Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, and Nigeria, with its high burden of cases and deaths, is at the forefront of efforts to end the disease.
Dr. Salako concluded by stressing that combating malaria is a national emergency and requires the collective effort of all Nigerians, including government, communities, private sector, and individuals. He encouraged Nigerians to use treated nets, maintain clean environments, seek early diagnosis and treatment, and remain committed to the goal of a malaria-free Nigeria by 2030.
