1 week Ago By Idowu Abdullahi
Idowu Abdullahi The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, has warned Lagosians to ensure proper diagnostic tests before concluding they have malaria. He also boasted that malaria would soon become a thing of history in the state. Malaria is a disease caused by a plasmodium parasite, transmitted by the bite of infected female mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles.
Nigeria has the highest burden of malaria globally, accounting for nearly 27 per cent with an estimated 68 million cases and 194, 000 deaths due to the disease, according to the World Health Organisation. The global health body disclosed that more than two-thirds of Nigerians were living in communities that were prone to high transmission of malaria with the primary vector being Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles arabiensis, and Anopheles funestus. According to WHO, one person dies of malaria every minute in Africa.
But as Nigeria today joins the global community to mark the 2025 World Malaria Day, the commissioner warned that misdiagnosing malaria costs lives. He spoke at the awareness walk to commemorate the Y2025 World Malaria Day organised by the ministry in collaboration with the Society for Family Health and Goodknight Nigeria. The event has “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite” as its theme.
He urged residents across the state to ensure they get tested properly in a health facility to ascertain the cause of their fever. “Not every fever is malaria. Misdiagnosis costs lives.
If you feel unwell, get tested at a health facility,” he warned. Abayomi asserted that Lagos is on track to achieve malaria pre-elimination status with a prevalence rate currently at 1.3 per cent .
“Lagos is now at 1.3% malaria prevalence and fast approaching pre-elimination as defined by the WHO. “Lagos has transitioned from 15% malaria prevalence in 2010 to just 3% in 2023.
Now, as of March-April 2025, the most recent data shows that we are at an encouraging 1.3% prevalence rate. “This means Lagos is clearly on the path to malaria pre-elimination, a historic milestone in our public health journey,” he said.
The Commissioner emphasised the importance of accurate diagnosis and the use of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy for confirmed cases. “Early detection and correct treatment not only protect the infected person but prevent further transmission of the parasite to others,” he explained, stressing the need for citizens to trust malaria test results and avoid over-treatment. He noted that despite the downward trend in malaria cases, the misuse of anti-malarial drugs remains prevalent.
“Data shows that even with only 3% testing positive, over 50% of patients with fever are still being treated for malaria. This must change,” Abayomi warned. He further noted that vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children under five must remain a key focus.
“Their immune systems are either underdeveloped or compromised. We must ensure that every case of fever is properly tested and every confirmed case is properly treated, especially in these groups.” Abayomi said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has officially mandated the ministry to lead the state into pre-elimination and, eventually, full eradication.
“Mr. Governor has officially endorsed the malaria pre-elimination agenda. This is not just a declaration, it is a commitment backed by data, resources, and strong political will.
We are proud that Lagos is leading the way in Nigeria and on the continent in rewriting the malaria narrative. With strong partnerships and sound policies, we are building a sustainable, evidence-driven pathway to a malaria-free Lagos,” he said. Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr.
Kemi Ogunyemi, reiterated the importance of community engagement, awareness, and behaviour change. “The battle against malaria cannot be won solely in clinics and laboratories; it must be fought in our homes, schools, markets, and media spaces,” she said during her goodwill remarks. Ogunyemi applauded development partners for their consistent support, especially in awareness creation and vector control.
“Their collaboration amplifies our reach and educates the public on the simple but effective lifestyle changes needed to avoid malaria,” she stated. Copyright PUNCH All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected] Tags 2025 World Malaria Day Lagos residents Lagos State Commissioner for Health Akin Abayomi Lagos State Government and malaria Malaria Malaria awareness SFH.
