From Left to Right: Country Representative, World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo; Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Special Adviser on Health, Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako; Medical Laboratory Scientist, Iru- Victoria Island Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC), Amudalat Adebayo and Medical Laboratory Scientist, Lagos Island PHC, Omolara Oladipupo during the demonstration the usage of Malaria Rapid Test Kit by Healthcare workers at the Launch of Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Program in Lagos State at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Today

In a landmark event at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, launched the “Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Program in Lagos State.” The initiative aims to revolutionize malaria control in Lagos State through digital innovation and strategic public-private partnerships.

Addressing a distinguished audience of global partners, policymakers, health practitioners, and pharmaceutical stakeholders, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the socioeconomic burden malaria imposes on Lagosians. He noted that the disease hampers productivity, drains household incomes, and disrupts educational pursuits, particularly among modest earners. The governor stressed that eradicating malaria is not just a health imperative but also an economic necessity that could significantly boost the state’s GDP.

Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the importance of accurate diagnosis, urging residents to adopt a “test-before-treatment” approach. He cautioned against self-diagnosis and the assumption that all fevers are malaria-related, advocating for transparency and prompt testing to ensure appropriate treatment. The governor also lauded the integration of digital tools in the program, which will enable real-time tracking of malaria cases, thereby enhancing the efficiency of interventions.

The governor called for collective action, urging all stakeholders—including government agencies, healthcare providers, community leaders, and citizens—to collaborate in the fight against malaria. He acknowledged that while success may not come overnight, sustained efforts and unwavering resolve could lead to a malaria-free Lagos. Sanwo-Olu also commended the state’s Ministry of Health and its partners for their transparent presentation of data and ongoing efforts to meet the 2025 targets for malaria elimination.

In his concluding remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated the critical role of community engagement in malaria prevention. He encouraged Lagosians to become advocates for the program, disseminating information about preventive measures and the importance of testing before treatment. The governor expressed optimism that with collective effort, the state could rewrite its malaria narrative and achieve significant public health milestones.

“To my fellow Lagosians: this fight belongs to each one of us. Let us embrace preventive measures like eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and adopt a “test-before-treatment” approach to ensure accurate diagnoses. And let us remain vigilant in protecting ourselves and our loved ones from this disease. We can rewrite the story of malaria in Lagos State—from one of loss and struggle to one of triumph and progress. This program is our legacy—a gift to future generations who will inherit a healthier, stronger Lagos”, he said.

Speaking in the same vein, 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 program 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.

Dr. Salako highlighted the program’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. Dr. 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.

Prof. 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. He 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.

Dr. 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.

Dr. 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.

Dr. 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.

The event marked a turning point in Lagos State’s malaria control efforts, setting the stage for a more coordinated, data-driven approach to disease elimination. With the combined efforts of government agencies, development partners, the private sector, and community stakeholders, Lagos State is on course to becoming the first malaria pre-elimination state in Nigeria.

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