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Tag: malaria

  • Students applauded for embracing malaria-fighting initiative

    Students applauded for embracing malaria-fighting initiative

    In a clarion call to action, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, initiator of the Geneith Health Competition, and Mr. Emmanuel Umenwa, the sponsor of the initiative, have commended Nigerian students from tertiary institutions, including universities, ably led by Comr Josiah Peter Oche, National President NAUS, polytechnics, Comr Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, President NASPS, and colleges of education, Comr Edunjobi Samuel Oluwaseun, National President NANCES, for wholeheartedly embracing the project as a vital vehicle for eradicating malaria in Nigeria. 

    They urged students to become steadfast ambassadors within their educational institutions, ensuring that the adverse social impacts of malaria are relegated to the past.

    “We regard your participation in this initiative as a powerful step toward a malaria-free Nigeria,” said Ilobanafor. “By rallying together, you have the potential to make an indelible impact on public health, raising awareness and inspiring action among your peers and communities.”

    Read Also: Malaria poses a significant structural crisis in Nigeria, says Sen. Ned Nwoko

    Umenwa echoed these sentiments, expressing appreciation to policymakers, stakeholders, and institutional leaders for recognising the fight against malaria as a collective responsibility. “Together, we can create a formidable front against this disease. The involvement of students is crucial in this fight, as they represent the vibrant and innovative spirit necessary to enact meaningful change,” he remarked.

    The Geneith Health Competition is powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, a high-strength antimalarial medication designed to combat both acute and uncomplicated malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. With a vision of reaching every corner of Nigeria, this initiative aims to dismantle the barriers to health education and resources while ensuring that effective malaria treatment is accessible to all.

    In addition to raising awareness, the GHC promises to empower Nigerian youth to become influential leaders of tomorrow, fostering a generation equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for public health advocacy. Through activities such as workshops, health walks, and community outreach programs, students will not only learn effective malaria prevention strategies but will also develop leadership qualities essential for instigating long-lasting change in their communities.

    As the excitement builds around the Geneith Health Competition, students are encouraged to seize this unique opportunity. “Your energy, creativity, and dedication are paramount to making this campaign successful,” Ilobanafor added, emphasising that this is more than just a program; it is a movement aimed at transforming health narratives in Nigeria.

    As we strive towards a malaria-free future, student leaders and participants are reminded of the significant role they play in shaping public health policy and awareness.

    The Geneith Health Competition stands as a testament to what can be achieved when young Nigerians unite for a common cause.

  • Students rally behind national competition to combat Malaria

    Students rally behind national competition to combat Malaria

    Nigerian students have pledged full participation in the Geneith Health Competition, the country’s first student-led national malaria awareness campaign, aimed at tackling one of Nigeria’s leading public health challenges.

    The commitment was made on Sunday in Abuja at a joint press conference marking the formal launch of the competition’s registration website. 

    The event drew hundreds of students from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria, all expressing readiness to play an active role in reshaping the nation’s health narrative.

    The initiative, organized by CEOAfrica and sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd with support from Coatal Forte Softgel is aimed at empowering young Nigerians to develop community-driven solutions for malaria prevention. 

    It features creative competitions, advocacy projects, and public health education to equip students with the tools to become change agents in their communities.

    Aligning with the World Health Organization’s malaria elimination targets, the programme aims to nurture a new generation of youth-driven public health advocates.

    Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, described the competition as a strategic effort to mobilize the creativity and energy of Nigerian youth to address malaria’s burden.

    “This competition represents a new chapter in the fight against malaria. We want to inspire young people to raise awareness and propose actionable solutions,” he said. 

    Represented by Abimbola Bowoto, Assistant General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Umenwa praised the student leaders’ enthusiasm, describing it as proof that young Nigerians are ready to shape public health outcomes.

    He emphasized that Geneith’s commitment extends beyond the contest, saying, “This is just the beginning. The fight against malaria requires collaboration across all sectors, government, private sector, civil society, and most importantly, the youth”.

    Echoing the same sentiment, CEOAfrica’s founder and co-organiser of the campaign, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, applauded the students for leading what he described as a grassroots movement to eliminate malaria.

    “It is exciting to see student leaders rise to the challenge. This is no longer a time to wait for the government alone. We are taking our destiny into our own hands,” he said.

    Ilobanafor urged the participants to look beyond the prize money and focus on the long-term impact of the initiative. 

    “This campaign will change the narrative, not just for the country but for every participant. Yes, there are prizes, but more importantly, we are building a nationwide movement,” he emphasized.

    Affirming their commitment to the competition, student leaders from various national bodies endorsed the competition with Josiah Oche, President of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), calling it a transformative platform for student-led health advocacy. 

    “Let this competition ignite your passion for health advocacy,” he said.

    Similarly, Oyewumi Ayomide, Senate President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), outlined four major benefits of the programme, building health knowledge, encouraging preventive care, promoting innovation, and cultivating leadership, adding, “A healthy student today is a stronger leader tomorrow.”

    Oluwaseun Eegunjobi, President of the National Association of Nigerian Colleges of Education Students (NANCES), praised the partnership between the private sector and student leadership as a model for national development. 

    Read Also: Malaria poses a significant structural crisis in Nigeria, says Sen. Ned Nwoko

    He called on the government and civil society to back the initiative with policy support and increased funding, saying, “We must win this war together”.

    According to the organizers, registration for the competition is open until December, after which the contest will proceed through State and regional stages, culminating in a national grand finale.

    Of the ₦1 billion committed to the initiative by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd, ₦400 million is dedicated to student prizes.

    At the State level, first place will receive ₦300,000, second place ₦200,000, and third place ₦100,000 while at the regional level, the top three will earn ₦500,000, ₦300,000, and ₦200,000, respectively.

    At the national level, champions will be awarded ₦5 million for first place, ₦2 million for second place, and ₦1 million for third place.

    The first 200 entries at the joint press conference venue were registered for free. 

  • Women scientists honour Malaria advocate

    Women scientists honour Malaria advocate

    The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Ibadan branch, has emphasized the importance of publicly recognizing individuals and organizations that demonstrate strong commitment to scientific research and health advocacy.

    In line with this, OWSD has selected Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CEOAfrica, for special recognition in honour of his exceptional contributions to public health advocacy and his efforts to engage young people in scientific research.

    Ilobanafor, the initiator of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), has been instrumental in promoting malaria prevention and control among Nigerian youths. 

    The GHC, targeted at secondary and tertiary students nationwide, is sponsored by Geneith International Pharmaceuticals Ltd with a prize pool of ₦1 billion—one of the most ambitious health awareness initiatives in the country.

    In acknowledgment of his sustained support for OWSD’s research and community-based programmes, Ilobanafor will be conferred with the honorary title of “Friend of OWSD” on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. 

    The award ceremony, hosted by the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Prof. Antonia Simbine, will take place at NISER, Ibadan.

    According to OWSD Ibadan branch, Ilobanafor’s unwavering contributions to research advancement and science communication have made him a role model across genders and academic levels. 

    In an official letter of invitation, the organization noted, “Your unforgettable efforts have inspired early, mid, and advanced career researchers, making you a role model for both female and male students in higher education to emulate”

    Read Also: Malaria advocates hail Pate’s TIME100 spot as milestone for Nigeria

    According to the organisation, his dedication to bridging the gap between scientific research and community health advocacy has not only supported OWSD’s mission but also amplified national conversations around malaria, a disease that remains a leading cause of illness and death in Nigeria.

    His recognition, the organisation said, underscores the vital role of private-sector advocates in empowering academic and grassroots efforts to address pressing health challenges.

    Ilobanafor’s award will be presented during a special session that includes a workshop and recognition of other contributors to scientific development. 

    OWSD, a programme unit of UNESCO, is a voluntary association of female scientists and allied researchers drawn from top institutions, including the University of Ibadan, The Polytechnic Ibadan, National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), National Agricultural Research and Technology Agencies (NAGGRAB), Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), NISER, and the Federal College of Health and Animal Production Technology.

    The organization aims to foster collaboration and mentorship among women in STEM and the social sciences, with a strong focus on research that directly benefits society.

    While reaffirming its vision of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for researchers across all disciplines, OWSD noted that it would continue to honours those, like Ilobanafor, who make this vision possible.

  • Community pharmacists back innovative Malaria contest for students

    Community pharmacists back innovative Malaria contest for students

    Community pharmacists across the country have expressed strong support for youth-led initiatives, particularly those within educational institutions, aimed at raising awareness and promoting the control of malaria in Nigeria.

    They emphasised that such support is crucial, given Nigeria’s alarming malaria burden. 

    According to current statistics, the country recorded approximately 66.7 million cases and over 189,000 deaths from malaria in 2022, figures that place Nigeria among the most affected nations globally.

    The pharmacists’ endorsement came during a courtesy visit by Ambrose Ezeh, the National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), to Geneith Pharmaceuticals in Lagos, where he formally endorsed the Geneith Health Competition, a pioneering initiative focused on combating malaria among Nigerian youth.

    The meeting was attended by Mr. Umenwa Emmanuel, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Geneith Pharmaceuticals, and Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, CEO of CEOAfrica, along with other stakeholders.

    Emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in combating malaria, Ezeh said, “The fight against malaria is a collective effort. 

    “It requires the involvement of all sectors, government, private organizations, and communities to devise innovative solutions that make a real impact.” 

    According to him, the collective efforts of all stakeholders are essential, especially given the urgency of the situation, as an alarming 95% of students seeking treatment at tertiary institution health centers are diagnosed with malaria.

    Responding, Geneith Pharmaceuticals’ CEO, Emmanuel, explained that the company was motivated to sponsor the novel malaria competition for secondary and tertiary students due to its unwavering commitment to malaria prevention and control.

    Emphasizing the pivotal role of young people in reshaping Nigeria’s public health narrative, Emmanuel noted that their involvement in such campaigns is not only timely but also highly impactful.

    “We decided to fund this project as a way of supporting the fight against malaria. 

    “Eliminating this disease in Nigeria will become a realistic goal, especially since our target audience, youth and students, are the driving force behind any vision that needs to be realized,” he said.

    CEOAfrica MD, Ilobanafor, in his remarks, while expressing strong support for the Geneith Health Competition, described it as a historic milestone in youth engagement, saying, “This initiative is designed to empower the youth and ensure that we can win this fight against malaria in the shortest time possible. 

    “The youth are energetic, innovative, and possess the potential to be change-makers,” he said. 

    Ilobanafor noted that the alarming statistics that a significant number of Nigerian students visiting health centers do so for malaria treatment underscore the urgent need for targeted intervention. 

    “This program aims to empower students to become malaria ambassadors who will advocate for prevention and awareness within their communities, he explained. 

    Read Also: Malaria: FG backs N1billion Geneith Health student competition 

    Emphasizing the scale of the initiative, Ilobanafor pointed out that the impressive investment in overall support makes the initiative the largest health competition of its kind in Africa. 

    “We urge other patriotic Nigerians to follow Geneith’s example and join us in this vital fight against malaria. 

    “By focusing on youth-led action, the competition seeks to illuminate practical pathways towards a malaria-free society, promoting collective efforts at all levels, from families to entire communities,” he said. 

    While commending Geneith Pharmaceuticals for the sponsorship of the competition and Coatal Forte Softgel’s support in powering the initiative, he noted that the competition represents a beacon of hope in the battle against malaria, forging a path for youth empowerment and health advocacy.

    The competition is a joint initiative by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd and CEOAfrica, with over ₦1 billion committed to the program. 

    Of this, ₦400 million is earmarked for student prizes, and ₦600 million will go towards educational materials and gifts for participants across all 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

  • Lagos communities benefit from free malaria treatment

    Lagos communities benefit from free malaria treatment

    More than 10,000 women and girls, including pregnant women and mothers with young children have benefited from a large-scale medical outreach organized by HACEY Health Initiative in partnership with AIICO Insurance PLC to mark World Malaria Day 2025.

    Held in underserved communities in Surulere, Lagos, the outreach was part of HACEY’s broader campaign to reduce malaria and improve health outcomes among vulnerable populations across Nigeria.

    The event featured free malaria testing, educational workshops, and the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets and other preventive tools.

    With the theme “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” the initiative aimed to raise awareness, empower families, and strengthen community-led efforts against malaria—one of Nigeria’s leading causes of death, particularly among women and children.

    Read Also: Malaria: FG backs N1billion Geneith Health student competition 

    “Malaria is preventable and treatable, yet it continues to claim lives,” said Bamidele Oyewumi, Team Lead at HACEY. 

    “Through this outreach, we’re equipping women and families with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves.”

    Oyewumi noted that HACEY has spent the past 17 years championing better health for underserved communities across Africa. 

    He praised AIICO Insurance for partnering on the initiative and stressed the importance of sustained collaboration to tackle malaria in Nigeria.

    “We are pleased to partner with AIICO Insurance PLC for this initiative, which will help drive meaningful change in the fight against malaria,” he added.

    Calling for broader participation, Oyewumi urged Nigerians to join in spotlighting the urgency of malaria prevention: “Let us engage local communities and advocate for stronger action against malaria in Nigeria. Together, we can make a significant impact in the lives of those affected by this preventable and treatable disease.”

  • Niger govt commits N150M to malaria fight amid donor withdrawal

    Niger govt commits N150M to malaria fight amid donor withdrawal

    ….says lack of funding won’t derail efforts

    The Niger State government has earmarked N150 million for malaria control efforts in 2025, including the purchase of treatment commodities, logistics for distributing insecticide-treated nets, and other related initiatives aimed at eradicating malaria.

    The Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health, Dr. Bello Tukur, made this known during a press briefing in Minna on Monday to mark the 2025 World Malaria Day.

    According to Tukur, the government has distributed 199,250 insecticide-treated nets to pregnant women and children under five, while 2,165,699 individuals with confirmed malaria cases received free treatment with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) over the past year.

    He further disclosed that 1,517,684 children were administered Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine plus Amodiaquine (SPAQ) across health facilities during last year’s peak rainy season to prevent malaria infections. Tukur noted that these interventions have contributed to a significant decline in malaria prevalence across the state.

    “The goal is to achieve a parasite prevalence of less than 10 per cent and reduce mortality attributable to malaria to less than 50 deaths per 1,000 live births by the end of year 2025.

    “This year, the theme for the World Malaria Day commemoration is “Malaria end with us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Re-ignite”, and the slogan is “Stay committed”. The interventions adopted by the government have led to a decrease in out-patient attendance and hospital admission due to malaria”, he said.

    Read Also: Lagos on track to eliminate malaria with 1.3% prevalence rate — Commissioner

    The Commissioner, who spoke about the dwindling funds in the health sector due to the pullout of USAID and other donor partners, said that the state is not worried about the dwindling funding as the state is ready to take up the responsibility, especially with the state malaria exit plan which is being implemented.

    “The stage is ready to take up the responsibility if the funds eventually get dried up. We are ready to step in. Already, we are doing the 1-1 matching where the government puts in the same amount put into a project by the donor partner.

    “We are aware of the dwindling funds but we are not worried about it as we are up and capable”.

  • NMEP debunks common Malaria myths

    NMEP debunks common Malaria myths

    As the world observed World Malaria Day 2025, the Nigerian National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) has debunked common myths surrounding the disease.

    During a tweetchat with media personality, Esther Adekeye aka Cute Kimani, NMEP noted that contrary to widely held beliefs, malaria is not caused by walking in the sun, stress, witchcraft, or excessive consumption of red oil.

    He, however, said it is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

    The tweetchat conversation, held under the theme “Malaria Ends With Us – Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite”, served as a timely reminder that the fight against malaria is far from over—and that every Nigerian has a part to play.

    Revealing that one out of five global malaria-related deaths happens in Nigeria, an estimated 23 people die from malaria-related complications every hour, and about 65 million cases are reported annually, NMEP maintained that Nigeria remains the global epicenter of malaria, with one in every four cases worldwide occurring within its borders.

    NMEP also stated that children and pregnant women remain the most vulnerable groups.

    However, the message of hope and empowerment echoed throughout the chat. Malaria is preventable and curable. Simple actions, according to the anti-malaria organisation, such as sleeping under insecticide-treated nets, eliminating stagnant water, and ensuring that pregnant women receive preventive treatments during antenatal care, can go a long way in saving lives.

    Read Also: Lagos on track to eliminate malaria with 1.3% prevalence rate — Commissioner

    NMEP also stressed the importance of testing fevers using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) before administering treatment. When confirmed, malaria can be fully cured with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT), a safe and effective treatment available across Nigeria.

    The chat also addressed broader challenges, including underfunding, weak health systems, and growing resistance to insecticides and antimalarial drugs in some parts of the world—though not yet in Africa.

    On her part, Esther Adekeye, the Lead Partner at Estol Africa, expressed appreciation to NMEP for its continued fight against malaria.

    “Through strategic interventions, including distribution of insecticide-treated nets, indoor spraying, and targeted treatment campaigns, NMEP has significantly reduced malaria transmission,” Cutekimani added.

    Echoing NMEP’s campaign against malaria, the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) calls on all stakeholders — government parastatals, healthcare professionals, international partners, and the private sector to further intensify their efforts in combating the disease.

  • Lagos on track to eliminate malaria with 1.3% prevalence rate — Commissioner

    Lagos on track to eliminate malaria with 1.3% prevalence rate — Commissioner

    Malaria prevalence in Lagos State has dropped to 1.3 percent, bringing the state closer than ever to achieving malaria pre-elimination status, health commissioner Prof Akin Abayomi has said.

    He broke the news at the 2025 World Malaria Day celebration at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic in Alausa, Ikeja.

    Prof. Abayomi described the progress as a major milestone in public health.

    “Lagos is now at 1.3% malaria prevalence and fast approaching pre-elimination as defined by the WHO,” he said.

    “We have moved from 15% in 2010 to just 3% in 2023, and now, in March-April 2025, we are at 1.3%. This is a historic achievement.”

    Themed: “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” the event featured an awareness walk and a strategic engagement with key stakeholders, including Society for Family Health (SFH), Goodknight Nigeria, WHO, and other partners.

    Prof. Abayomi stressed that accurate diagnosis and treatment remain central to Lagos’ malaria control strategy.

    “Early detection and correct treatment not only protect the infected person but also prevent further transmission. People must trust test results and avoid unnecessary treatment,” he warned.

    The Commissioner raised concerns over the misuse of anti-malarial drugs, noting that while only 3% test positive, over half of the people with fever are still treated for malaria.

    “This must change. We need more public education and responsible prescribing by health workers,” he said.

    He emphasised the need to protect vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children under five.

    “Their immune systems are weak. Every fever must be tested, and every confirmed case treated properly,” he said.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s annual nursing enrolment rises to 115,000 — FG

    Prof. Abayomi credited the progress to strong political backing from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

     “Mr. Governor has officially endorsed our malaria pre-elimination agenda. It’s not just a declaration, it’s backed by data, resources, and political will,” he said.

     “We are proud that Lagos is leading the way in Nigeria and Africa.”

     Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, said winning the fight against malaria requires community participation.

    “This fight isn’t just in labs and hospitals; it must happen in our homes, schools, and markets,” she said.

    She thanked partners like SFH and Goodknight for their support.

    “Their collaboration helps us reach more people with life-saving information,” she added, urging the media to continue educating the public.

    “Help us spread the word that not all fevers are malaria and not all mosquitoes are equal.”

    Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, urged residents to get tested before treating fever. “Only 1.3 to 3 percent of fevers are malaria. So, most people buying antimalarials are wasting money,” he said.

    He encouraged the use of the Ilera Eko health scheme for affordable testing and treatment. “Let’s make our being here today count by spreading this knowledge in our communities, workplaces, and schools.”

    Project Director of the Society for Family Health (SFH) IMPACT Project, Dr. Stanley Ugah, reiterated the importance of testing before treatment. “Unnecessary use of antimalarials is a major concern. We’re providing test kits and quality drugs to change that,” he said.

    Goodknight Nigeria Brand Manager, Oluwatimilehin Dada, expressed pride in supporting the state’s efforts. “We are here today to demonstrate our commitment to ending malaria,” he said. “Our products, like plug-ins and sprays, help families prevent mosquito bites.”

    Representing the Country Manager of Maisha Meds, the Public Health Physician for the Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitisation Project at Maisha Meds, Dr. Simisola Alabi, said the organisation is using technology to support malaria diagnosis and treatment.

    “We work with pharmacists and clinics to ensure proper case management,” she said. “With digital tools and strong partnerships, we can bring malaria down to less than one percent.”

    The Assistant Public Health Officer for the World Health Organisation (WHO), Aisha Abdulkareem, noted global progress but warned of setbacks due to climate change and conflict.

     “Globally, 2.2 billion malaria cases and 12.7 million deaths have been averted in 20 years, but progress has stalled,” she said.

    “We must reinvest, reimagine, and reignite our commitment.”

    As the event ended, speakers called for better collaboration, increased awareness, and sustained investment. With the numbers trending down and support from key partners, Lagos could become Nigeria’s first malaria-free state.

  • Stakeholders unite to combat malaria

    Stakeholders unite to combat malaria

    Major health organizations, Green Life Pharmaceuticals, Green Life Hospital, Seagreen Pharmaceutical, and Clearline HMO have joined forces to lead a large-scale awareness and prevention campaign.

     This initiative was driven by a common goal: to eradicate malaria from Nigeria through education, community engagement, and access to testing and treatment.

     The event held at the University of Lagos on  Friday , was themed “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.

     Hundreds of students and community members gathered to participate in free malaria testing and receive malaria prevention kits and medication, courtesy of the collaborating partners. Beyond the distribution of medical supplies, the event served as a powerful platform to educate young people about malaria, its symptoms, prevention, and the dangers of drug abuse in relation to health management.

    Read Also: Pope Francis: The reformist who divided opinion

     In his opening remarks, Mr. Peter Nwosu, Executive Director of Green Life Pharmaceuticals, underscored the importance of the event, highlighting it as both a commemorative and impactful outreach. “We are here not just to mark a global health awareness day but to make a real difference in this vibrant community,” he stated. He emphasized the seriousness of malaria, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to improving public health through its corporate social responsibility programs.

     Dr. Oghenerukevwe Peretomode, Medical Officer with Clearline HMO, stressed the need for a collective response from both the government and individuals to reduce the incidence of malaria. She called for more funding, innovation, and public education to support malaria prevention efforts. “Everyone has a role to play,” she said, “from using mosquito-treated nets and maintaining clean environments to avoiding actions that promote mosquito breeding, like dumping refuse in drainage systems.” Dr. Peretomode also pointed out that climate change, through increased flooding and warmer weather, is contributing to the rise in malaria cases, further emphasizing the need for environmental responsibility.

     The event’s focus on youth was intentional. According to Mr. Chris Ikeagu, General Manager of Green Life Hospital, “We chose UNILAG because we want to engage young people directly. They are the ones who can carry the message forward to their homes and communities. Older generations are already familiar with malaria, but we believe that prevention starts with youth education.”

    He emphasized the deadly nature of malaria and reiterated that early awareness and proper treatment are key to combating the disease.

  • WMD: FG targets 30 million under five children for Malaria prevention 

    WMD: FG targets 30 million under five children for Malaria prevention 

    The federal government is aiming to reach 30 million children with malaria preventive treatment in 2025, in its most ambitious efforts yet to curb the deadly disease in Nigeria, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has revealed.

    The Minister also addressed the halt of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) President’s Malaria Initiative operations in some States, assuring Nigerians that the federal government has budgeted for the procurement of essential malaria commodities, including ACTs, diagnostic kits, and preventive medication for pregnant women to fill the gap.

    Speaking virtually at the World Malaria Day commemoration in Abuja on Friday, organized by the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) and the Malaria Council in collaboration with the Gates Foundation, the Minister said the treatment will be delivered through the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) programme in 21 eligible States, all in the northern region where malaria transmission is highest.

    Salako described the country’s malaria burden as staggering, with Nigeria accounting for 27 percent of global malaria cases and 31 percent of global deaths, according to the 2024 World Malaria Report. 

    He said malaria remains a top public health crisis, disproportionately affecting children under five and pregnant women, and disrupting economic productivity and family incomes.

    To address this, he said the government is rolling out a multi-pronged strategy under the Rethinking Malaria Initiative. 

    Central to this, according to him, is the scale-up of evidence-based interventions, including the mass distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets across 12 States this year and the phased introduction of the malaria vaccine, which has already reached 80,000 children in Kebbi and Bayelsa states.

    The vaccine programme will expand to 17 more States in 2025, targeting children aged 5 to 23 months, he said.

    Salako said in a move to tackle mosquito breeding at source, the Ministry will also pilot Larval Source Management in Abia, Borno, Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo and Rivers States. 

    Alongside this, two national surveys, the Rapid Impact Assessment and the Malaria Indicator Survey are being launched to monitor the effectiveness of current interventions and inform future policies.

    Commending the high-level political support for malaria elimination from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister acknowledged the contributions of domestic and international partners. 

    He also acknowledged the Nigeria End Malaria Council, chaired by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as a key player in mobilizing private sector resources to complement government funding.

    Calling for collective action, Salako urged Nigerians to take simple personal steps like sleeping under treated nets, seeking early diagnosis and treatment, and keeping their surroundings clean. “Malaria ends with us,” he said, echoing the theme of this year’s campaign. “We must stay committed.”

    While appreciating the frontline health workers, state governments, and global partners, the Minister cautioned that the road to malaria elimination remains long. 

    Read Also: First Lady calls for recommitment in fight against malaria

    “We cannot afford complacency. The fight continues until we defeat malaria once and for all,” he said.

    Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachallom stressed that Nigeria’s fight against malaria remains an enduring battle, with over 70 years of effort and billions spent on interventions. 

    She emphasized the country’s ongoing struggle against the disease, which still claims lives despite improved awareness and treatments, saying, “People assume malaria isn’t serious, but it’s deadly. If you have symptoms, go to the hospital,” while reminding the public that the federal government has subsidized malaria treatment, particularly in primary healthcare centers, through the National Health Insurance Agency.

    She linked broader challenges such as climate change, insecurity, and humanitarian crises to the difficulties of eliminating malaria, noting that Nigeria’s status as an agrarian nation makes it particularly vulnerable. 

    The Technical Working Group and inter-ministerial collaboration, she said, have been crucial in making headway.

    The theme for this year, according to her, calls for reflection and renewed commitment. Since 2010, malaria cases have dropped by 20%, and deaths by 25%, a significant improvement but still far from eradication.

    Kachallom also highlighted the role of the private sector and donor partners, referencing the End Malaria Council chaired by Aliko Dangote. “We’re exploring all funding avenues to push us across the finish line,” she said.

    While noting that the event also marked the 25th anniversary of the Abuja Declaration, a 2000 pledge by African leaders to eliminate malaria, Kachallom commended the partners and NGOs for their continued support, calling their contributions vital to Nigeria’s path toward a malaria-free future.

    A panel of public health experts during the roundtable underscored the devastating impact of malaria on individuals, families, and society, stressing its toll on the economy and national productivity. 

    While acknowledging the government’s efforts, they called for intensified efforts to combat the disease and sustain progress toward elimination.