Federal government of Nigeria through the Ministry of health and social welfare has emphasized the urgent need for collective action to end malaria.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako minister of sate for health and social welfare who was speaking in Abuja as Nigeria joined the global community in commemorating the 2025 World Malaria Day under the theme “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reignite, Reimagine”.
Speaking at the event, Salako with the accompanying slogan “Stay Committed” says its served as a call to government, partners, businesses, communities, and individuals to sustain the momentum against the disease.
“I am delighted to join eminent malaria stakeholders in commemorating the 2025 World Malaria Day,” a Federal Government representative said. “Malaria is often underestimated despite its devastating impact on individuals, communities, and the economy. In Nigeria, children under five and pregnant women remain most at risk.”
Citing the World Malaria Report 2024, Salako expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s status, revealing that the country accounts for 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of global malaria deaths. “This highlights the urgent need for proactive action within our borders,” he stressed.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to malaria elimination, attributing significant support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership. “The President’s dedication to improving the health of Nigerian citizens has been instrumental. His strong advocacy and high-level political leadership have provided the necessary impetus for our strategies,” the official noted.
As part of intensified efforts, the government has rolled out the Rethinking Malaria Initiative, implementing a pragmatic costed plan tailored to sub-national needs and establishing the Advisory on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (AMEN) to harness global expertise.
Further interventions include:
Distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets across 12 states, including Akwa Ibom, Delta, Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina.
Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) in 21 northern states, aiming to provide preventive medicines to 30 million under-five children.
Introduction of Larval Source Management in six states such as Lagos, Ondo, and Rivers.
The phased rollout of the Malaria Vaccine started in December 2024 in Kebbi and Bayelsa States, targeting children aged 5–23 months, with plans to expand to 17 additional states in 2025.
The government also addressed the funding gap created by the USAID/PMI Stop Work Order. “We have made adequate budgetary provisions to fill the funding gap. Critical malaria commodities such as Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) and Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits will be procured and distributed efficiently,” the official assured.
Strengthening health systems and improving surveillance are also high on the agenda, with two major surveys the Rapid Impact Assessment and Malaria Indicator Survey being conducted in 2025 to monitor progress and adapt strategies accordingly.
Recognizing the crucial role of the private sector, the Federal Government praised the Nigeria End Malaria Council, chaired by renowned businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Aliko Dangote. “We are working closely with the private sector to mobilize additional resources and improve access to equitable, affordable, and quality-assured healthcare products and services for malaria,” the speaker added.
Finally, the government called on individual Nigerians to contribute to the malaria fight by seeking early treatment, using insecticide-treated nets, and maintaining clean environments. “It is only through collective action that we can successfully combat malaria,” the official emphasized.
The event also saw expressions of gratitude towards development partners and private sector stakeholders. “Your continued support and collaboration have been vital and have greatly contributed to the progress we have made thus far,” the speaker concluded.