A health advocacy group has urged Nigeria to move beyond gradual improvements and adopt faster, system-wide measures in the ongoing effort to eliminate malaria nationwide.
The call was made in Abuja during activities marking World Malaria Day 2026, themed “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must.” The Chief Executive Officer of the Society for Family Health Group, Dr Omokhudu Idogho, said the country is now at a critical stage where eliminating malaria is achievable and urgently required.
He noted that while Nigeria has recorded notable progress, stronger coordination, improved funding, and more effective leadership are needed to sustain and expand existing gains. Idogho commended the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Malaria Elimination Programme, state authorities, and development partners for their contributions to reducing malaria prevalence, as reflected in recent health data.
According to him, current progress has been driven by interventions such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets, seasonal preventive treatments, improved diagnosis and treatment services, and stronger community-based programmes supported by data and innovation.
He stressed that the focus must now shift from achieving progress to accelerating impact, especially as challenges such as climate change, population growth, and pressure on the health system continue to grow.
Idogho called for wider and more equitable access to malaria prevention and treatment, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children under five and pregnant women. He also emphasised the need for real-time data systems to guide targeted responses, improve accountability, and strengthen overall health system performance.
He noted that malaria’s impact varies across regions, adding that state and local governments should be empowered with tools and data to design solutions tailored to their specific needs.
The CEO further described malaria as both a health and development challenge, requiring coordinated action across multiple sectors, including environment, agriculture, finance, and education, along with greater private sector involvement to drive innovation.
He also advocated increased domestic investment in malaria control, including higher budget allocations, innovative financing options, and local production of essential malaria commodities, warning that long-term success will depend on Nigeria’s ability to fund and manage its own response effectively.
Idogho said the country now has the evidence, tools, and partnerships needed to eliminate malaria but must act decisively to avoid losing momentum.
He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting malaria control efforts through partnerships, technical expertise, and innovative programmes aimed at ensuring that no preventable malaria death occurs.
Nigeria continues to carry one of the highest malaria burdens globally, with children under five and pregnant women most affected, although recent health surveys have shown a decline in prevalence due to expanded prevention and treatment efforts.