In a bid to strengthen the fight against malaria, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos Health District V led a public awareness walk in Ikeja on April 25 to mark the 2025 World Malaria Day. The event, themed “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite”, brought together health professionals, civil society groups, and residents in a coordinated march to promote malaria prevention and control across the state.
The awareness walk kicked off at the Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa, and proceeded through major streets of Ikeja, with participants distributing educational flyers and engaging with members of the public on the proper use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, environmental sanitation, and the importance of getting tested before malaria treatment.
Addressing participants, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to reducing malaria prevalence to below one percent. He noted that while malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness in Nigeria, only about 1.3 to 3 percent of fevers in Lagos are actually malaria-related, highlighting the importance of proper diagnosis.
“We are working towards a malaria-free Lagos, and it starts with awareness, early testing, and the right treatment,” Dr. Ogboye said. He also emphasized the importance of the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme, which offers affordable access to malaria testing and quality-assured medications.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Stanley Ugah, Project Director of the Society for Family Health’s IMPACT Project, commended the Lagos State Government’s “Test Before Treatment” policy, stressing that unnecessary antimalarial use without testing is a growing challenge in Nigeria. He assured residents of the availability of subsidized rapid diagnostic test kits and effective antimalarial drugs in licensed pharmacies and health facilities.
Representing Maisha Meds, Dr. Simisola Alabi noted that the organization is working closely with the Lagos State Government to deploy technology-driven tools aimed at improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. “Our goal is to empower providers to make the right decisions through real-time data and digital platforms,” she said.
The World Malaria Day campaign in Lagos highlights a continued push by the state government to transition from malaria control to malaria elimination, relying on grassroots mobilization, innovative health solutions, and sustained public-private partnerships.
As Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest malaria burden globally, initiatives like these are seen as crucial steps in the national effort to achieve zero malaria in line with global health targets.