The Lagos State Government has launched the final phase of its Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitalization initiative, meant to protect residents and enable them to contribute effectively to the state socio-economic growth and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Professor Alli Pate, commended Lagos State for pioneering the project, noting that the new programme aligned with the Federal Ministry of Health’s “Rethinking Malaria’ concept, launched in April 2024, which aims to fast-track malaria elimination through strategic shifts.
He highlighted the programme focus on integrating digital health solutions for real-time electronic reporting, which is expected to improve malaria diagnosis and case management, adding that” Lagos State had consistently recorded the lowest malaria prevalence in Nigeria, with a 2021 survey, indicating a 2% prevalence rate “.
” I am confident that, with concerted efforts, Lagos will achieve pre-elimination status and serve as a model for the rest of the country.”
The minister, who underscored the role of the private sector in healthcare delivery, explained that about 50-60% of Nigerians seek treatment first in private health facilities and emphasized that the focus of the programme on public-private sector synergy, describing it as essential for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and addressing malaria-negative fever protocols.
Pate also identified discrepancies in malaria positivity rates between private and public sectors and stressed the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare outcomes.
” I urge everyone to maintain their support for impactful interventions aimed at eliminating malaria “.
He assured Nigerians and development partners that recent changes in global health funding policies would not affect Nigeria’s malaria elimination programmes.
Professor Pate affirmed that” the federal government commitment to ensuring adequate and cost-effective funding for public health initiatives, urging state governments to collaborate in making Nigeria self-sustaining in public health funding “.
The Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Professor Alli Pate’s message was delivered by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako.
Addressing the audience, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who expressed joy at being the pioneer state, expressed dismay at the socioeconomic burden malaria imposed on Lagos residents.
He noted that the disease hampers productivity, drains household incomes, and disrupts educational pursuits, particularly among modest earners.
The governor stressed that eradicating malaria is not just a health imperative but also an economic necessity that could significantly boost the state’s GDP.
” The importance of accurate diagnosis cannot be overlooked, urging residents to adopt a ‘test-before-treatment’ approach and warned against self-diagnosis and medication explaining that assumption that all fevers are malaria-related was wrong “. Sanwo – Olu
” Prompt testing to ensure appropriate treatment is the way to go while applauding the integration of digital tools in the programmes, which will allow real-time tracking of malaria cases, thereby enhancing the efficiency of interventions.
The governor called for collective action, urging all stakeholders—including government agencies, healthcare providers, community leaders, and citizens—to collaborate in the fight against malaria.
He acknowledged that while success may not come overnight, sustained efforts and unwavering resolve could lead to a malaria-free Lagos. I commend the Ministry and its partners for their transparent presentation of data and ongoing efforts to meet the 2025 targets for malaria elimination.
Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated the critical role of community engagement in malaria prevention and encouraged Lagosians to become advocates for the programme, giving information about preventive measures and the importance of testing before treatment.
” To my fellow Lagosians: this fight belongs to each one of us. Let us embrace preventive measures like eliminating mosquito breeding sites and adopt a “test-before-treatment” approach to ensure accurate diagnoses. And let us remain vigilant in protecting ourselves and our loved ones from this disease. We can rewrite the story of malaria in Lagos State—from one loss and struggle to one of triumph and progress. This program is our legacy—a gift to future generations who will inherit a healthier, stronger Lagos”, he said.
Country Director for Nigeria at the World Bank, Dr. Ndiame Diop, also lauded Lagos State’s efforts in malaria control, stressing the economic impact of malaria, noting that 30% of under-five deaths and 60% of outpatient visits in Nigeria are linked to malaria.
Dr. Diop stressed that out-of-pocket malaria treatment costs remain a major barrier to effective disease control, ” with 95% of treatments paid for directly by affected individuals “.
He solicited increased funding, public-private partnerships, and community-led interventions to bridge healthcare access gaps. “Nigeria, as the largest economy in Africa, has the potential to eliminate malaria, and we are confident that with the commitment demonstrated here, we will get there,” he stated.
He promised that the World Bank would continue to be committed to supporting policies and interventions aimed at malaria elimination.
In his presentation titled ‘Winning the Fight Against Malaria in Lagos State, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, emphasized that malaria remains a major public health challenge, contributing to mortality, economic burden, and reduced human capital development.
He noted that while Nigeria bears the highest malaria burden globally—accounting for 27% of global cases—Lagos State has successfully reduced its prevalence to 2.6%, positioning it in the low-transmission category. He credited this progress to sustained interventions, private sector partnerships, and digital health innovations.
” Achieving malaria pre-elimination requires continued efforts in early diagnosis, effective treatment, and vector control measures such as indoor residual spraying and larviciding. He further emphasized the role of community education, digital health tracking, and strengthened health service delivery in sustaining progress. “Lagos State is on the verge of malaria pre-elimination, and if we align our strategies effectively, we can achieve this goal sooner than expected,” he stated.
Prof. Abayomi also highlighted a shift in malaria diagnosis and treatment, moving away from presumptive treatment to a ‘test, treat, and track’ approach, explaining that digital integration in health services would improve accuracy in diagnosis, ensure appropriate use of anti-malarial drugs, and prevent drug resistance.
He urged healthcare workers to embrace thorough patient evaluations, moving beyond assumptions of malaria as the primary cause of fever-related illnesses.
Country Representative for the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Kazadi Walter Mulombo, commended Lagos State for its leadership in malaria control, saying that ” Lagos serves as a model for urban malaria control, effectively addressing both low transmission areas and malaria hotspots “.
He emphasized the importance of evidence-based interventions, private sector collaboration, and sustained government commitment in achieving malaria elimination goals.
Dr. Mulombo reiterated WHO’s support for the initiative, emphasizing the need for accurate malaria diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and community engagement.
He highlighted that Nigeria accounts for 31% of global malaria deaths, making malaria elimination a national priority. “Lagos is setting the pace for sub-national malaria elimination strategies, and we stand ready to provide technical expertise and guidance for the success of this initiative,” he stated.