The Federal Government and Lagos State Government have jointly declared a zero-tolerance stance against malaria, pledging to intensify efforts toward elimination of the disease.
The declaration was made during the mid-term review of the Impact Project and the roadmap toward malaria elimination in Lagos, held yesterday.
Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, commended Lagos for its leadership role in the fight against malaria, describing the state as a model for innovation and determination.
“I commend the Lagos State Government for pioneering this initiative and for its unwavering dedication to malaria control. This effort shows that with determination and innovation, we can overcome even the toughest challenges,” Pate said.
He also thanked national and international partners for their collaboration, reaffirming the Federal Ministry of Health’s commitment to supporting Lagos through the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP).
Highlighting progress, the minister disclosed that Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) and community pharmacies have been successfully onboarded into a structured, regulated, and digitized malaria service delivery system. According to him, the integration of digital technology has enhanced data collection and reporting, helping to identify gaps and improve interventions.
In his keynote address, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reiterated the state’s determination to transition from a high malaria burden to a pre-elimination stage, setting the course for a malaria-free Lagos.
He said the state Is leveraging evidence, technology, and partnerships to drive results, stressing the importance of accountability, scale, quality, and community ownership.
“We cannot tackle malaria just by focusing on clinics. Households and communities must step up by eliminating breeding sites, getting tested promptly, and trusting the health system,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos’ strategy includes strong communication campaigns, a network of community health workers, and collaboration with traditional leaders, market associations, and schools.
“We must embed the message of prevention and testing into every aspect of life in Lagos,” he added.
The mid-term review also emphasized the need to ensure proper use of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and effective reporting from private pharmacies and PPMVs to improve surveillance and accountability.