Plateau State Launches 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemo-prevention Campaign, Aims to Eradicate Malaria

Plateau State citizens have again been assured of government commitment to eradicating malaria as the State Malaria Elimination Programme (SME-P), in partnership with the Malaria Consortium, officially launched the 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemo-prevention (SMC) campaign. The campaign flagged off with a media engagement, celebrating Plateau’s recognition as the top-performing malaria programme in Nigeria while also promoting public awareness and community participation.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong noted a steady and encouraging decline in malaria prevalence across the state. He revealed that malaria rates have dropped from about 21% in recent years to around 15% in the latest yet-to-be-published assessment. Describing this progress as highly significant, he expressed optimism that with sustained interventions, the state could reduce malaria prevalence to below 10% annually, bringing the elimination goal within reach.

On the implementation process, Nurse Ndak Zuhumnan Andarawus, SMEP Programme Manager, explained that SMC is preventive treatment administered to children aged 3–59 months during the rainy season (June–October). The 2025 campaign targets over 963,000 children across all 17 Local Government Areas, with more than 12,000 personnel—including community drug distributors and town announcers—already deployed. He assured parents of the medication’s safety, stressing that it is WHO-tested and supervised by trained health workers who can promptly address any side effects.

Representing the Malaria Consortium, Dr. Mbwas Mashor (on behalf of Dr. Maxwell Kolawole, Western Central Africa Program Director) highlighted the remarkable success of SMC in Plateau State. Since 2021, the intervention has reached nearly one million children annually, leading to a noticeable decline in malaria cases after the very first year. Hospitals across the state are reporting drastic reductions in severe malaria admissions among children, evidence that SMC and other health efforts are saving lives and strengthening community resilience.

Also speaking, Dr. Mafwanlal Bunan Masok, Director of Public Health, commended the Malaria Consortium for its critical support in reducing malaria among children under five, the most vulnerable group.

The event also emphasized the role of the media in combating misinformation. SBCC Consultant Kachallom Gyang urged journalists and broadcasters to continue raising awareness, stressing that safeguarding is central to malaria interventions. He outlined measures ensuring children and vulnerable adults are protected through strict policies, community sensitization, data protection, and zero tolerance for abuse.

Sharing her experience, Mrs. Deborah Ababatunde, a resident, testified that the SMC drugs have kept many children malaria-free since their introduction. She encouraged mothers to ensure their children participate in the campaign, describing SMC as the best prevention method available.

With strong partnerships, community engagement, and evidence of impact, Plateau State’s 2025 SMC campaign reaffirms the government’s determination to defeat malaria and protect its children.