The Federal Government has unveiled a new National Malaria Strategic Plan (2026–2030), aiming to cut malaria prevalence and mortality by half over the next four years.
Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, announced the target on Monday in Abuja during a press conference to mark the 2026 World Malaria Day.
Describing malaria as a major public health and economic threat, Mr Salako warned against dismissing the disease as “ordinary.”
“There is nothing ordinary about malaria. It continues to claim the lives of children, endanger pregnant women, and weaken families and productivity,” he said.
Citing the 2025 World Malaria Report, the minister noted that Nigeria accounts for approximately 24 per cent of global malaria cases and more than 30 per cent of deaths, underscoring the urgency of intensified action.
Despite the heavy burden, he said the country had made notable progress. Malaria prevalence fell from 42 per cent in 2010 to about 15 per cent in 2025. No state currently falls within the high transmission category, with most now classified as low- or moderate-transmission zones.
The new strategy will focus on expanding proven interventions, including insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), seasonal malaria chemoprevention, and vaccination. More than 500 million ITNs have been distributed since 2015, with plans to extend distribution to 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory in 2026.
Approximately 29 million children under five will benefit from seasonal malaria chemoprevention across 21 states. Over 700,000 children have already received malaria vaccines in selected states, the minister added. Nigeria is also piloting Larval Source Management in six states to diversify its control strategies.
Mr Salako reaffirmed that malaria elimination remains a priority under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with a commitment to strengthening health systems, improving surveillance, and enhancing data-driven decision-making.
He called for greater collaboration from development partners, the private sector, and the media, stating: “Malaria elimination cannot be achieved by the government alone. It requires a whole-of-society approach.”
The minister urged Nigerians to sleep under treated nets, maintain clean environments, and seek prompt diagnosis and treatment. “The cost of inaction is too high,” he warned.