Y2025 WORLD MALARIA DAY: LAGOS MARCHES TOWARDS MALARIA ELIMINATION

… Commissioner Declares Lagos at 1.3% Malaria Prevalence

… SFH, Goodknight, WHO, Media, Private Sector Pledge Sustained Support For Malaria-Free Lagos

The Lagos State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Society for Family Health and Goodknight Nigeria, marked the Y2025 World Malaria Day with a vibrant awareness walk and a strategic stakeholders and media engagement aimed at galvanising action towards malaria elimination. The commemorative events held in Alausa-Ikeja drew major public health stakeholders, development partners, and government officials under the theme: “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.”

The awareness walk began with a colourful procession of health workers, volunteers, and partners through the Lagos State Government Secretariat and Alausa community, distributing educational materials and engaging the public on prevention strategies. The engagement climaxed at the Conference Hall of the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, where the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, delivered a data-rich keynote address, asserting that Lagos is well on track to achieve malaria pre-elimination status with a prevalence rate currently at 1.3%.

Leading the charge at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stated that “Lagos is now at 1.3% malaria prevalence and fast approaching pre-elimination as defined by the WHO”.

Describing malaria as a vector-borne disease transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito, the Commissioner emphasised the importance of accurate diagnosis and the use of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) for confirmed cases. He noted that despite the downward trend in malaria cases, the misuse of anti-malarial drugs remains prevalent. “Data shows that even with only 3% testing positive, over 50% of patients with fever are still being treated for malaria. This must change,” Prof. Abayomi warned.

While calling for intensified public enlightenment and responsible prescribing by health providers, he noted that vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children under five must remain a key focus. “Their immune systems are either underdeveloped or compromised. We must ensure that every case of fever is properly tested and every confirmed case is properly treated, especially in these groups.”

He also highlighted the state’s partnership with the World Health Organisation, Federal Ministry of Health, and Pharmacy Council of Nigeria under the IMPACT Project as critical to Lagos’s push toward malaria elimination. The Commissioner reiterated Lagos State’s 15-year commitment to the National Malaria Strategic Plan and acknowledged the roles played by previous Health Commissioners and dedicated public health workers.

Abayomi praised the vision and political will of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has officially mandated the Ministry to lead the state into pre-elimination and, eventually, full eradication.  “Mr. Governor has officially endorsed the malaria pre-elimination agenda. This is not just a declaration; it is a commitment backed by data, resources, and strong political will. We are proud that Lagos is leading the way in Nigeria and on the continent in rewriting the malaria narrative. With strong partnerships and sound policies, we are building a sustainable, evidence-driven pathway to a malaria-free Lagos,” he said.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi reiterated the importance of community engagement, awareness, and behaviour change. She also applauded development partners like the Society for Family Health and Goodknight for their consistent support, especially in awareness creation and vector control.

Urging the media to remain steadfast allies in disseminating accurate health information, Ogunyemi stressed that “You are the bridge between science and society. Help us educate Lagosians that not all fevers are malaria, and not all mosquitoes are equal”.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, urged participants to see themselves as advocates for malaria elimination and make wise health and economic choices in malaria prevention and treatment. “If you have a fever, get tested first. Only about 1.3 to 3 per cent of fevers are actually malaria. So, 97 per cent of people buying antimalarials may be wasting money,” he said.

He stressed the importance of leveraging the Ilera Eko Health Insurance scheme to access subsidised malaria testing and treatment, adding, “Let’s make our being here today count by spreading this knowledge in our communities, workplaces, and schools.”

In his remarks, Dr. Stanley Ugah, Project Director of the Society for Family Health (SFH) IMPACT Project, reiterated SFH’s alignment with the State Government’s “Test Before Treatment” policy. He noted that unnecessary antimalarial use without diagnosis is a major concern, and SFH supports the provision of quality-assured test kits and medications.

He added that through World Bank support, SFH is training healthcare providers and working with communities to raise awareness and strengthen grassroots malaria case management.

On his part, Brand Manager of Goodknight Nigeria, Oluwatimilehin Dada, noted that the company was proud to be part of Lagos State’s malaria elimination journey just as he expressed appreciation to the leadership of Lagos State for the opportunity to support the fight against malaria.

Dada emphasised that Godrej, makers of the Goodknight brand, is dedicated to promoting health through innovative solutions and encouraged households to invest in the Good Knight range of product solutions as part of their contribution to malaria elimination.