Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating malaria as he launched the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Programme.
The initiative, which was unveiled at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday, aims to leverage technology and collaboration to tackle the disease, which remains a major health and economic burden in Nigeria.
Addressing stakeholders, Sanwo-Olu described malaria as more than just a health challenge but a socio-economic crisis that affects families, businesses, and the overall productivity of the state.
He noted that for many Lagos households, particularly those with modest incomes, malaria treatment could consume up to 3% of their monthly earnings, leading to tough choices between healthcare, food, and education.
“The eradication of malaria is not just a health goal; it is an economic imperative,” Sanwo-Olu declared, citing a report by Malaria No More UK that projected Nigeria could gain nearly $34 billion in GDP by 2030 if malaria is eliminated.
The new initiative, he stated, would deploy digital tools to ensure real-time tracking of malaria cases, expand access to quality healthcare through public-private partnerships, and empower communities with preventive knowledge.
He said the expected benefits of a malaria-free Lagos included increased productivity, improved school attendance, reduced healthcare costs, and an overall enhanced quality of life.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the vision of malaria elimination is ambitious but achievable through the collective effort of government agencies, healthcare providers, community leaders, development partners, and residents.
He expressed appreciation to key stakeholders, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank, the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP), private hospitals, and community pharmacies, for their contributions to making the program a reality.
The governor also commended the Lagos State Ministry of Health, led by Professor Akin Abayomi, for their dedication to ensuring the successful launch of the initiative.
Encouraging Lagosians to take responsibility in the fight against malaria, Sanwo-Olu urged residents to embrace preventive measures such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites and adopting a “test-before-treatment” approach for accurate diagnosis.
“This programme is our legacy—a gift to future generations who will inherit a healthier, stronger Lagos,” he said.
Speaking, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako expressed delight at Lagos State’s pioneering initiative, recalling the state’s early efforts in malaria case management under former Governor and current President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He commended the new programme for aligning with the Federal Ministry of Health’s ‘Rethinking Malaria’ concept, launched in April 2024, which aims to fast-track malaria elimination through strategic shifts.
Salako highlighted the programme’s focus on integrating digital health solutions for real-time electronic reporting, which is expected to improve malaria diagnosis and case management.
He noted that Lagos State consistently records the lowest malaria prevalence in Nigeria, with a 2021 survey indicating a 2% prevalence rate.
The minister expressed confidence that with concerted efforts, the state could achieve pre-elimination status, serving as a model for the rest of the country.
The minister underscored the critical role of the private sector in healthcare delivery, noting that approximately 50-60% of Nigerians seek treatment first in private health facilities.
He emphasized that the program’s focus on public-private sector synergy is essential for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and addressing malaria-negative fever protocols.
Salako also highlighted the discrepancy in malaria positivity rates between private and public sectors, underscoring the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare outcomes.
Concluding, Dr. Salako called on all stakeholders to maintain their support for impactful interventions aimed at malaria elimination. He assured Nigerians and international partners that recent changes in global health funding policies would not adversely affect Nigeria’s malaria elimination programs. The minister affirmed the federal government’s commitment to ensuring adequate and cost-effective funding for public health initiatives, urging state governments to collaborate in making Nigeria self-sustaining in public health funding.
In his presentation titled ‘Winning the Fight Against Malaria in Lagos State, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi emphasized that malaria remains a major public health challenge, contributing to mortality, economic burden, and reduced human capital development.
He noted that while Nigeria bears the highest malaria burden globally—accounting for 27% of global cases—Lagos State has successfully reduced its prevalence to 2.6%, positioning it in the low transmission category. He credited this progress to sustained interventions, private sector partnerships, and digital health innovations.
The Commissioner underscored that achieving malaria pre-elimination requires continued efforts in early diagnosis, effective treatment, and vector control measures such as indoor residual spraying and larviciding.
He further emphasized the role of community education, digital health tracking, and strengthened health service delivery in sustaining progress. “Lagos State is on the verge of malaria pre-elimination, and if we align our strategies effectively, we can achieve this goal sooner than expected,” he stated.
Abayomi also highlighted a shift in malaria diagnosis and treatment, moving away from presumptive treatment to a ‘test, treat, and track’ approach.
He stressed that digital integration in health services would improve accuracy in diagnosis, ensure appropriate use of anti-malarial drugs, and prevent drug resistance.
Abayomi urged healthcare workers to embrace thorough patient evaluations, moving beyond assumptions of malaria as the primary cause of fever-related illnesses.
Country Representative for the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Kazadi Walter Mulombo commended Lagos State for its leadership in malaria control.
He noted that Lagos serves as a model for urban malaria control, effectively addressing both low transmission areas and malaria hotspots.
He emphasized the importance of evidence-based interventions, private sector collaboration, and sustained government commitment in achieving malaria elimination goals.
Mulombo reiterated WHO’s support for the initiative, emphasizing the need for accurate malaria diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and community engagement.
He highlighted that Nigeria accounts for 31% of global malaria deaths, making malaria elimination a national priority.
“Lagos is setting the pace for sub-national malaria elimination strategies, and we stand ready to provide technical expertise and guidance for the success of this initiative,” he stated.
Country Director for Nigeria at the World Bank, Dr. Ndiame Diop also lauded Lagos State’s efforts in malaria control. He emphasized the economic impact of malaria, noting that 30% of under-five deaths and 60% of outpatient visits in Nigeria are linked to malaria.
He highlighted the World Bank’s continued commitment to supporting policies and interventions aimed at malaria elimination.
Diop stressed that out-of-pocket malaria treatment costs remain a major barrier to effective disease control, with 95% of treatments paid for directly by affected individuals.
He urged for increased funding, public-private partnerships, and community-led interventions to bridge healthcare access gaps.
“Nigeria, as the largest economy in Africa, has the potential to eliminate malaria, and we are confident that with the commitment demonstrated here, we will get there,” he stated.
The Managing Director of the Society for Family Health (SFH), Dr. Omokhudu Idogho echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for sustained interventions in malaria prevention, treatment, and community sensitization.
He pointed out that leveraging digital technology for case tracking and surveillance will be crucial in accelerating progress towards malaria elimination.
Idogho also highlighted SFH’s role in strengthening community engagement and ensuring widespread access to malaria prevention tools.
He commended the Lagos State government for integrating digital solutions into healthcare services, noting that this will enhance real-time data collection, improve response strategies, and optimize resource allocation.