Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating malaria, describing the disease as a major public health threat requiring urgent and sustained action.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziak Adekunle Salako, stated this during a media briefing in Abuja to mark World Malaria Day.
He said Nigeria accounts for about 24 per cent of global malaria cases and 31 per cent of deaths, citing the World Health Organization 2025 report, and described the situation as a national emergency.
Despite the burden, Salako noted progress, with malaria prevalence dropping to 15 per cent from 42 per cent in 2010. He added that no state is currently classified under high transmission, with most states now in moderate or low transmission categories.
The minister said the Federal Government is targeting a 50 per cent reduction in malaria prevalence and deaths by 2030 under a new national strategy.
Key interventions include the distribution of insecticide-treated nets, seasonal malaria chemoprevention targeting millions of children, and the expansion of malaria vaccine rollout across selected states.
He said over 700,000 children have already received malaria vaccines since the programme began in 2024, while additional public health measures such as improved diagnosis, treatment and surveillance systems are being strengthened.
Salako stressed that malaria elimination requires collective action beyond government, calling for stronger collaboration with development partners, the private sector and communities.
Also speaking, National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme, Nnena Ogbulafor, said recent data shows continued progress, with prevalence declining from 22 per cent in 2021 to 15 per cent.
She highlighted key strategies driving the gains, including vaccination, chemoprevention, and nationwide distribution of treated mosquito nets, alongside increased testing and treatment.
Lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District, Ned Nwoko, called for stronger collaboration between the National Assembly and stakeholders to sustain progress and support malaria elimination efforts.
World Malaria Day, observed annually on April 25, carries the theme: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”