Lagos State has achieved a significant public health breakthrough, reducing malaria prevalence to just 1.3 percent, according to the Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at the 2025 World Malaria Day event held at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic in Alausa, Ikeja, Prof. Abayomi hailed the development as a major stride toward achieving malaria pre-elimination status, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO).

“From a prevalence rate of 15% in 2010 to 3% in 2023, and now an unprecedented 1.3% in early 2025, Lagos is making historic progress,” Abayomi declared.

This year’s World Malaria Day, themed “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” featured an awareness walk and strategic discussions involving key partners like the Society for Family Health (SFH), Goodknight Nigeria, WHO, and others.

Prof. Abayomi emphasized that accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment remain critical pillars of Lagos’ malaria strategy. He warned against indiscriminate use of anti-malarial drugs, revealing that although only 3% of fever cases tested positive for malaria, over half were still being treated presumptively.

“This approach must stop. Public enlightenment and responsible prescribing practices are urgently needed,” he said, highlighting the vulnerability of pregnant women and young children, whose weakened immune systems require precise diagnosis and care.

Acknowledging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering support, Abayomi noted that the state’s malaria pre-elimination agenda has been backed by tangible political commitment, funding, and resources.

“This achievement is not just political rhetoric; it’s rooted in data-driven actions and sustained investment,” he added.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, stressed that the battle against malaria must extend beyond health facilities to homes, schools, and marketplaces. She lauded partners such as SFH and Goodknight for expanding public outreach and urged the media to amplify messages on proper fever diagnosis.

Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, called on residents to test before treating fever, warning that misuse of anti-malarials wastes resources and endangers health.

Similarly, Dr. Stanley Ugah, Project Director for SFH’s IMPACT Project, reiterated the need for testing before administering treatment, while Goodknight Nigeria’s Brand Manager, Oluwatimilehin Dada, showcased preventive solutions such as mosquito repellents.

Dr. Simisola Alabi from Maisha Meds highlighted the role of technology in improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes through digital tools and partnerships with pharmacies and clinics.

Aisha Abdulkareem, Assistant Public Health Officer with the WHO, pointed to global setbacks caused by climate change and conflicts but emphasized the importance of reigniting efforts against malaria.

Concluding the event, speakers jointly called for deeper collaboration, broader awareness campaigns, and consistent investment to sustain the gains made. With steady progress and strong partnerships, Lagos is well-positioned to become Nigeria’s first malaria-free state.