NMEP takes malaria campaign to FCT residents

The National Malaria Eradication Programme (NMEP) of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare yesterday sensitised residents of the Federal Capital Territory on measures to take in eliminating malaria from the territory. NMEP officials and partners who held an awareness road walk in the city centre as part of activities to commemorate the 2026 […]

The National Malaria Eradication Programme (NMEP) of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare yesterday sensitised residents of the Federal Capital Territory on measures to take in eliminating malaria from the territory.
NMEP officials and partners who held an awareness road walk in the city centre as part of activities to commemorate the 2026 World Malaria Day, carried placards with messages such as: “A healthy nation is a malaria-free nation”; “We commit to mobilising communities for malaria elimination”; “Protect every home from mosquitoes, prevent every bite; “No family should lose loved ones to malaria and “Pregnant women should attend antenatal regularly”, among others.
Speaking at a briefing after the road walk, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said Nigeria continues to carry a significant share of the global malaria burden despite notable progress in reducing infections and deaths, describing the disease as a major public health and economic challenge.
The minister said the occasion serves not only as a moment to celebrate achievements but also a reminder of the urgent work required to eliminate malaria in the country.
He noted that malaria remains one of the leading health threats in Nigeria, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
Despite the burden, he said the country has recorded measurable progress over the years, adding that the 2025 Malaria Indicator Survey showed that the country’s prevalent rate has reduced to 15%.
He disclosed that the Federal Government has developed a new National Malaria Strategic Plan aimed at accelerating elimination efforts through targeted, sub-national interventions.
The minister also advised Nigerians to take preventive measures seriously.
“Sleep under insecticide-treated nets, keep your surroundings clean to prevent mosquito breeding, seek prompt medical care when symptoms occur, and always get tested before treatment,” he said.
In her presentation, National Coordinator of NMEP, Dr Nnenna Ogbulafor, said the country has over the years recorded significant progress in malaria prevention and eradication efforts.
She said various interventions and national malaria strategic plans carried out between 2000 to date have cumulatively helped in bringing down the prevalence and burden of malaria in the country.
Various partners, including the World Health Organisation, World Bank, the Malaria Technical Working Group (TWG) and Catholic Relief Services, in their separate contributions called for increased domestic funding of malaria interventions in order to eliminate the disease out of the country.
The theme for this year’s World Malaria Day is: “Driven to End Malaria: Now we can. Now we must.”