The Government of Plateau State has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating malaria, declaring that a malaria-free state is within reach if current efforts are sustained.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, made this known during the 2026 World Malaria Day 2026 celebration themed “Driven to End Malaria: How We Can, Now We Must,” held at Crispan Hotel Hall on Saturday.
The event brought together key health stakeholders, development partners, malaria elimination officers, students from health institutions, and officials of the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Baamlong commended Nurse Ndak Kizito Zuhumnan, Plateau State Project Manager of the IMPACT project, for his leadership in advancing malaria control efforts. He expressed confidence that, with sustained commitment and the support of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the state will soon achieve malaria elimination.
Representing the Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, Dr. Benjamin Garkuwa Sumi described the occasion as a moment to reflect on progress and renew commitment against malaria, which remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria.
He noted that Nigeria accounts for nearly a quarter of global malaria cases and deaths, with an estimated nine to ten fatalities occurring every hour. However, he highlighted significant progress, particularly in Plateau State, where malaria prevalence dropped sharply from 18.8% in 2021 to 2.8% in 2025.
Dr. Sumi attributed the success to coordinated interventions by the State Ministry of Health and the State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), alongside development partners.
He cited over 100% coverage in the 2024 and 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaigns and a 96% success rate in the 2024 insecticide-treated net distribution. He added that diagnostic kits and treatment drugs are now available in over 400 health facilities across the state.
He urged residents to adopt preventive measures such as consistent use of treated mosquito nets, proper sanitation, early testing, and adequate antenatal care.
Also speaking, Programme Manager of SMEP, Nurse Kizito Ndak, described the event as both a milestone and a strategic platform to assess progress and strengthen future interventions. He credited achievements to partnerships with organizations like Malaria Consortium and intensified public awareness campaigns.
In his keynote, Dr. Elijah Otopka emphasized that malaria remains one of the deadliest mosquito-borne diseases globally, with Africa accounting for about 95% of deaths. He described the campaign as a call to urgent action and advocated increased domestic funding, stronger health systems, and investment in research.
Delivering a goodwill message, Dr. Mbwas Mashor of the Malaria Consortium noted that over one million children in Plateau State benefit annually from preventive treatments under the SMC programme, stressing the need for sustained efforts to avoid setbacks.
Representing Dr. Musa Mahdi Wade the State Coordinator of World Health Organization, Muoghah Abere Favour reaffirmed continued support for malaria control in Plateau State and Nigeria, emphasizing prevention through treated nets, prompt treatment, and improved environmental hygiene.
Stakeholders unanimously agreed that while progress is encouraging, sustained collaboration, increased investment, and active community participation remain essential to achieving a malaria-free Plateau State and Nigeria.
The event kicked off with a health awareness walk from Air Force Roundabout to the venue of the event.
The walk was intended to raise public awareness about malaria prevention.
The live performance of the Asharuwa Cultural Troops thrilled the guests.
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