Abuja: The Federal Government has unveiled a new National Malaria Strategic Plan (2026–2030), targeting a 50 per cent reduction in malaria prevalence and mortality by 2030.
Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja, during a press conference to commemorate the 2026 World Malaria Day.
Salako said the strategy, anchored on sub-national tailoring of interventions, aligned with global and national frameworks, including the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Technical Strategy.
The minister described malaria as a major public health and economic threat, warning against the continued perception of the disease as “ordinary.”
“There is nothing ordinary about malaria. It continues to cause the loss of lives among children, endanger pregnant women, and reduce family well-being and productivity,” he stated.
He noted Nigeria accounts for 24 per cent of global malaria cases and over 30 per cent of deaths, underscoring the urgency for intensified action.
He acknowledged notable progress, with malaria prevalence dropping over the years.
He added that Nigeria’s malaria prevalence declined from 42 per cent in 2010 to about 15 per cent in 2025, reflecting gains from sustained interventions.
According to him, no state currently falls into the high transmission category, with most classified as low- or moderate-transmission zones.
He said the new strategy would focus on expanding proven interventions, including insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs), seasonal malaria chemoprevention, and vaccination.
He revealed that over 500 million ITNs had been distributed since 2015, with plans to expand distribution to 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory in 2026.
In addition, he said about 29 million children under five would benefit from seasonal malaria chemoprevention across 21 states.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to scale up malaria vaccination, noting that more than 700,000 children had already been reached in selected states.
The minister said Nigeria was also piloting Larval Source Management in six states as part of efforts to diversify malaria control strategies.
He emphasised that malaria elimination remained a key priority under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that the government was committed to strengthening health systems, improving surveillance, and enhancing data-driven decision-making.
Salako called for stronger, sustained collaboration among development partners, the private sector, and the media, urging all stakeholders to intensify their support and engagement to achieve malaria elimination.
“Malaria elimination requires united action from everyone—government, partners, businesses, communities, and individuals. Let us all play an active role to make malaria history in Nigeria,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to take responsibility by adopting preventive measures, consistently sleeping under treated nets, maintaining clean environments, and seeking prompt diagnosis and treatment, stressing that every individual’s action counts.
The minister strongly reaffirmed the government’s unwavering determination to end malaria, calling on every citizen to join the fight, and emphasised that inaction is not an option if Nigeria is to secure a healthier future for all.
