In a bid to further reduce malaria transmission by 10% by 2025, the federal government intends to utilize seasonal malaria chemo-preventive treatments in endemic regions alongside existing preventive measures.
The government has also announced its plans to initiate the pilot rollout of malaria vaccines in Kebbi and Bayelsa States before expanding the program to other regions nationwide.
During an interactive session with health journalists, the National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Dr. Godwin Ntadom, emphasized that malaria prevalence in Nigeria has decreased significantly from 27% in 2015 to 22% in 2021.
Dr. Ntadom stated, “Our goal is to reduce malaria prevalence by 10% by 2025. We have made significant progress in reducing malaria prevalence to a level where it is no longer a major public health challenge. Countries like Cape Verde have achieved this, and Nigeria can also accomplish it.”
Highlighting the effectiveness of previous strategies in combating malaria, Dr. Ntadom mentioned that new approaches are being pursued to further lower the incidence of the disease.
“We are implementing new strategies, including the distribution of anti-malaria medications and mosquito nets. Additionally, seasonal malaria chemo-preventive treatments have been deployed, particularly in malaria-prone regions of the north, resulting in reduced mortality,” Dr. Ntadom explained.
Furthermore, Dr. Ntadom disclosed that the federal government is prepared to introduce the malaria vaccine it has subscribed to, with pilot exercises planned by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency in Kebbi and Bayelsa States.
He added, “This year, Nigeria will implement the use of malaria vaccines starting in Kebbi and Bayelsa states, eventually extending the program nationwide.”
Dr. Ntadom cautioned that ongoing preventive measures must be maintained to prevent malaria effectively.
“It is crucial to focus on eliminating the mosquito vectors responsible for malaria transmission. Mosquitoes breed in our surroundings, so preventing stagnant water and marshy areas is essential. By eradicating breeding sites, we can reduce mosquito populations. Using insecticide-treated nets while sleeping will also help prevent mosquito bites and, consequently, malaria transmission,” emphasized Dr. Ntadom.