By HASSAN Hussain | April 20, 2026
The National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme, Dr. Nnena Ogbulafor, has announced significant progress in the fight against malaria, revealing that prevalence in Nigeria has dropped to 15 percent from 22 percent within three years.
She made this known in Jahi community of FCT, During an Outreach programme, held within the church premises, focused on educating worshippers on preventive measures, early diagnosis, and proper treatment of malaria as part of activities to mark this year World Malaria Day.
Dr. Ogbulafor said the annual commemoration provides an opportunity to highlight achievements, engage communities, and address ongoing challenges in malaria control.
She explained that the programme strategically engages religious and traditional leaders to drive awareness and prevention efforts, noting that their influence plays a critical role in shaping public health behavior.
According to her, activities for this year’s commemoration included visits to mosques on Friday and churches on Sunday.
Dr. Ogbulafor said, “In Nigeria, we respect our religious and traditional leaders, Every year, we visit mosques and churches to seek their support in educating their followers on malaria prevention, We are encouraged that many leaders are already guiding their congregations positively.”
She noted that similar sensitisation efforts are being replicated across states through malaria programmes at sub-national levels.
Highlighting progress made, the National Coordinator said findings from recent surveys conducted under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Health showed a reduction in malaria prevalence by about 30 percent.
She attributed the success to improved interventions by government, health workers, and development partners.
Dr. Ogbulafor urged Nigerians to sustain the gains by adopting preventive measures, including consistent use of insecticide-treated nets, maintaining clean environments, clearing bushes, and eliminating stagnant water around homes.
She also cautioned against self-diagnosis, stressing the importance of proper testing and treatment.
“Malaria is not a minor illness. It claims the lives of pregnant women and children under five. Anyone with fever should go to a health facility for testing and, if confirmed, take the recommended Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy,” she said.
Dr. Ogbulafor reaffirmed the commitment of the programme to achieve malaria elimination in Nigeria through sustained community engagement and strengthened health interventions.
On his part, A Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Calabar, Professor Martin Madu Meremikwu explained that ongoing global research is strengthening efforts to combat malaria, despite its complex nature and evolving challenges.
Professor Martins pointed out that malaria control today goes beyond medicine, involving studies in human behavior, climate science, and advanced data modeling to better predict outbreaks.
He noted that researchers are now combining climate data, geography, and humidity patterns to forecast malaria risks, enabling countries to prepare ahead of time and prevent emergencies.
According to him, “unless we anticipate problems and prepare for them, controlling malaria will remain difficult.”
Professor Martins also highlighted a breakthrough in vaccine development, describing it as a major milestone driven by collaboration between African and international scientists.
He added that the success of the vaccine demonstrates the growing capacity of African researchers to lead global health innovations.
He said the vaccine, when combined with preventive tools such as treated mosquito nets, can reduce malaria cases by up to 60 percent.
On treatment, the professor disclosed that current drugs for severe malaria remain effective, but warned that misuse could lead to drug resistance. He explained that taking incomplete doses or using malaria drugs unnecessarily allows parasites to mutate and become resistant.
Professor Martins revealed that ongoing studies across East and Southern Africa have not yet detected key markers of resistance, but cautioned that vigilance must be sustained.
He stressed the importance of social science research in addressing improper prescription practices, noting that some health workers still administer malaria drugs even when tests are negative.
“This behavior is dangerous,” he said, “because it can delay proper treatment of the actual illness and also contribute to drug resistance.”
The medical expert called for stronger public health education and better regulation of medicine used to preserve the effectiveness of existing treatments.
On vaccine access, he pointed to production capacity as a major challenge, emphasizing the need for local manufacturing in countries like Nigeria to meet growing demand.
Professor Martins concluded that with sustained research, improved healthcare practices, and expanded vaccine production, Nigeria and other affected countries can significantly reduce the burden of malaria.
In a remark, the National Coordinator of Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN), Dr. Ayo Ipinmoye, identified inadequate funding, weak community participation and limited local production of health commodities as major challenges confronting malaria elimination in Nigeria.
Dr. Ipinmoye, who spoke on efforts to sustain gains in malaria control, said although the challenges are numerous, they are surmountable with collective action.
He explained that resourcing remains a critical issue, stressing that both government and citizens must commit more funds to the fight against malaria.
According to him, the responsibility should not rest on government alone, as the private sector and philanthropists also have vital roles to play in sustaining progress recorded so far.
The ACOMIN National Coordinator further highlighted poor community ownership as a significant setback, noting that some beneficiaries misuse insecticide-treated nets distributed for malaria prevention.
He said instead of sleeping under the nets, some people use them for fishing or as clothing, thereby undermining the effectiveness of the intervention.
Dr. Ipinmoye called on communities to take responsibility for their health by properly using mosquito nets, adhering to prescribed medications, and seeking testing before treatment.
He also urged residents to maintain clean environments and eliminate stagnant water, which serves as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
On technology and local capacity, Mr Ipinmoye observed that most malaria prevention and treatment tools are imported, leading to capital flight and loss of employment opportunities.
He appealed to investors and business leaders to establish local manufacturing of mosquito nets, medicines and other essential health commodities, noting that such efforts would improve health outcomes and boost the economy.
On the status of the nationwide net distribution campaign, Dr. Ipinmoye clarified that the programme is still ongoing.
He said the Global Fund is currently supporting interventions in 13 states, while the United States Government and the Nigerian Government are also providing support in other states.
Dr. Ipinmoye who added that plans are underway to develop the next funding request covering 2027 to 2029, noting that recent global health challenges may have created the impression that activities have slowed down.
Some members of the congregation expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful in promoting healthier living practices.
