By Joy Onu
Nigeria has unveiled an ambitious new strategy aimed at accelerating the fight against Malaria, with the Federal Government targeting a 50 per cent reduction in infections and deaths by 2030.
The initiative, contained in the National Malaria Strategic Plan (2026–2030), was announced in Abuja during activities marking the 2026 commemoration of World Malaria Day by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako.
Salako said the new roadmap builds on progress already recorded in malaria control, noting that prevalence in Nigeria has declined from 42 per cent in 2010 to about 15 per cent in 2025.
According to the minister, the strategy reflects the broader health priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reinforces government’s determination to eliminate malaria as a major public health threat.
“Ending malaria is not a slogan; it is a strategic priority,” Salako said, stressing that the disease remains central to the administration’s Renewed Hope health agenda.
He explained that the new plan adopts a subnational approach, allowing states and communities to tailor interventions to their specific realities while aligning national efforts with global malaria control frameworks championed by the World Health Organization.
Highlighting ongoing interventions, Salako disclosed that more than 500 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets have been distributed nationwide since 2015, with fresh campaigns scheduled this year in Akwa Ibom, Kebbi, Borno, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Abia, Kogi, Osun, Kwara, Adamawa and the Federal Capital Territory.
Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention will also be implemented in 21 eligible states, including the 19 northern states, the Federal Capital Territory and Oyo State, targeting preventive treatment for about 29 million children under five.
The government is also piloting Larval Source Management in Abia, Borno, Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo and Rivers states to address mosquito breeding sites through targeted environmental interventions.
In addition, the phased rollout of the malaria vaccine introduced in December 2024 in Kebbi and Bayelsa states has been expanded to Bauchi and Ondo, with more than 700,000 children aged five to 23 months already reached.
Speaking at the event, Senator Ned Nwoko , representing Delta North Senatorial District, commended ongoing malaria control efforts and disclosed that the National Assembly is considering legislation to establish a specialised agency dedicated to mosquito and malaria elimination.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, represented by Dr. Kamil Shoretire, said malaria continues to place a heavy burden on Nigeria’s health and economy, stressing that sustained political will, stronger partnerships and continued investment will be critical if the country is to finally eliminate the disease as a public health threat.
