Lawmaker calls for united action to end malaria in Nigeria

As the world marks World Malaria Day 2025, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), Senator Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, has urged a collaborative and strategic national response to eliminate malaria in Nigeria. Speaking in commemoration of the day themed “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” the Harvard-trained public health […]

As the world marks World Malaria Day 2025, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), Senator Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, has urged a collaborative and strategic national response to eliminate malaria in Nigeria.

Speaking in commemoration of the day themed “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” the Harvard-trained public health physician highlighted the urgent need to scale up malaria prevention and treatment efforts, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.

“As you know, Nigeria accounts for 31.3% of global malaria deaths, with 38.4% of these deaths occurring in children under five,” she stated. “Adults are not spared either, as mortality rates are also linked to malaria. Beyond the tragic loss of lives, malaria significantly reduces work productivity, disrupts education, among other impeding outcomes.”

The former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, who represents Rivers West Senatorial District, Chairman of the Joint Health Committees of the 10th National Assembly, reaffirmed the Legislature’s strong commitment to tackling malaria through strategic budgetary allocations.

She revealed that the 2025 Appropriation Act includes key funding provisions to support the fight against malaria, including: Nationwide implementation of malaria vaccination for infants; Ongoing research and development of herbal remedies for malaria; Expansion of the Renewed Hope Medical Relief Program, Treatment for 2 million malaria patients; Procurement of rapid diagnostic test kits to promote early and accurate diagnosis; Provision of diagnostic equipment and infrastructure to ensure compliance with the National Malaria Guidelines.

In her closing remark, Sen. Dr. Banigo called on all Nigerians to take personal responsibility in the fight against malaria by maintaining clean environments, sanitation, elimination of stagnant water, calling on the use of insecticide-treated nets, and timely medical care.

“Malaria is preventable and treatable. Ending malaria requires a renewed sense of urgency, innovation, and collaboration across all levels—government, private sector, civil society, faith-based organisations, and communities,” she said.

She noted that malaria elimination is now the way to go and is not only a health priority but a pathway to national development. She emphasised that there must be a sustained effort to attain the goals of the National Malaria Elimination programme

World Malaria Day is observed globally every year on April 25th to raise awareness about malaria, mobilise action, and celebrate progress in reducing the burden of the disease.