Lagos, June 23, 2025 – Lagos State is on the brink of a historic public health achievement, as efforts to eliminate malaria in the region are showing remarkable progress. State health officials report that malaria prevalence has dropped to just 1.3 percent, positioning Lagos within reach of pre-elimination status—a milestone that would make it the first state in West Africa to achieve this feat .
The success is largely attributed to the state’s proactive and technologically driven programme, launched in March under the Pathway to Malaria Pre‑Elimination and Digitisation initiative. Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, accompanied by health partners, unveiled this innovative approach, integrating digital tools for real-time case tracking, mandatory rapid diagnostic testing before treatment, and robust public–private partnerships .
Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi emphasised that only about 1 out of every 100 fevers in Lagos is malaria-related, underscoring the need for proper diagnosis to avoid unnecessary medication and drug resistance . He praised the state’s integration of community pharmacies and private clinics into the surveillance network, ensuring consistent treatment protocols across both public and private sectors .
The state has also collaborated with digital-health platforms such as Maisha Meds to streamline data collection and case management . These measures have prompted a significant decline in malaria cases and are credited with reducing pressure on healthcare facilities and household budgets.
Observers note that this progress is built on a layered approach—long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, preventive therapies for children and pregnant women, and now a targeted vaccine rollout initiated in other high-burden states—supported by national and international partners, including WHO, Gavi, and UNICEF .
With sustained implementation of these initiatives, Lagos expects to reach full malaria elimination by 2027, according to government estimates . A victorious outcome would set a powerful precedent for regional malaria control, carrying significant implications for public health and economic development across West Africa.
This progress underscores the critical role of political leadership, innovation, and coordinated action in defeating one of the region’s most persistent health adversaries.