Stakeholders at the official launch of a Public Enlightenment and Media Engagement Campaign on Malaria Prevention and Management have promised to amplify the Prevention, Test, Treatment, and Tracking of messages in Lagos State.
The project which is under the World Bank–funded Malaria IMPACT Project is in collaboration with SFH, the World Bank, Lagos State Government, and the media.
The stakeholders expressed optimism that Lagos would not only sustain its pre-elimination status but serve as a national model in the fight against malaria.
Speaking at the launch in Ikeja, the Managing Director, Society for Family Health, SFH, Nigeria, Dr. Omokhudu Idogho described the campaign as “a defining moment in Lagos’ public health journey,” stressing that the achievement of reducing malaria prevalence from 15% in 2010 to near 1% presently in Lagos is a proof that coordinated investments and partnerships are working”.
“The campaign designed around four pillars which are Prevent, Test, Treat, and Track are not just slogans but actionable strategies for citizens, health workers, and policymaker, emphasizing that the initiative is not just about talk, it is about putting the right tools in the hands of Lagosians to make informed health choices”. He emphasized.
Dr. Idogho warned against complacency, noting that malaria is no longer the dominant cause of fever in Lagos, as over 90% of fever cases are due to other conditions insisting that the new normal that Lagosians must test before treatment is non-negotiable.
He noted that the campaign will harness multiple communication platforms, including radio and TV jingles, media appearances, billboards, bus branding, digital and social media campaigns, bulk SMS, and direct community engagement.
“Our aim is to saturate the information ecosystem with accurate, consistent, and actionable malaria messages,” he said, adding that the media would play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between health policy and grassroots behavior.
Dr Idogho further underscored the need to discourage self-medication and incomplete treatment doses, stating that adherence to the use of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACTs) remains central to avoiding drug resistance.
He charged everyone to work towards winning the fight not just by treating malaria but by treating it right.
The Deputy Managing Director Programmes at SFH Nigeria, Dr. Jennifer Anyanti explained that the IMPACT project unique feature is its deliberate engagement of the informal health sector, where over 60% of Lagosians seek first contact for care.
“The campaign will directly train and equip community pharmacies, Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) with the skills and tools to ensure proper malaria testing and referral”. She explained
According to her, engaging the informal sector is to make sure that no one is left behind, adding that, “the goal is that whether you walk into a primary health centre or clinic whether in the public or private health sector, a community pharmacy, or even a patent medicine shop, the right medication after diagnosis must be administered”.
Highlighting the role of data and tracking in sustaining gains, Dr Ayanti stressed that accurate reporting from community outlets will help strengthen Lagos surveillance systems because “data is the backbone of accountability as it allows for effective evaluation where malaria is occurring and to respond rapidly and effectively”.
Dr. Anyanti urged Lagos residents to embrace preventive practices, especially environmental sanitation and the use of insecticide-treated nets as Prevention remains the first line of defense.
“Eliminating mosquito breeding sites in homes and communities is the surest way to push malaria out of Lagos”.Anyanti said.
On her part, the Lagos State Malaria Elimination Programme Manager, Dr. Abimbola Osinowo, described the initiative as a bold demonstration of what cross-sector collaboration could achieve in public health.
She said the State had shown leadership in mobilizing technical expertise, financing, and grassroots buy-in.
“This campaign is not just about malaria, it is about saving lives and building healthier communities. It is a testimony that with the right political will and partnerships, malaria elimination is not a dream but a goal within reach,” Dr. Osinowo affirmed.
She stressed that behavior change remained the toughest hurdle, adding that sustained media engagement is critical to changing old habits of presumptive treatment without testing.
“When people see and hear consistent messages across radio, TV, billboards, and their communities, then behavior begins to shift,” she explained.
Dr. Osinowo called on citizens, religious leaders, and civil society. “This fight cannot be left to government alone. Everyone has a role to play; keep your environment clean, sleep under treated nets, demand testing before treatment, and complete your medications. Together, we can make history with a malaria-free Lagos,” she said.
The campaign launch ended with a commitment from stakeholders to amplify the Prevent, Test, Treat, and Track message in the State.
Reporting by Julie Ekong