The National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) has announced that it has distributed more than 320 million Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) and 450 million blisters of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine and Amodiaquine (SPAQ) to children under five years across Nigeria since 2009.
Dr. Nnenna Ogbulafor, National Coordinator of NMEP, disclosed this on Thursday in Minna during the flag-off of the 2025 Mass Distribution Campaign for insecticide-treated nets in Niger State.
The campaign is being implemented in collaboration with the Global Fund, Catholic Relief Services, Malaria Consortium, and the Society for Family Health.
Dr. Ogbulafor, represented by Mrs. Mary Esema, Head of Integrated Vector Management at NMEP, said the interventions have significantly contributed to reducing malaria prevalence and under-five mortality rates nationwide.
She noted that the ITN mass campaign, which began in 2009, and the introduction of SPAQ in 2013, have positioned Nigeria as a leader in malaria prevention efforts in sub-Saharan Africa.
“These efforts reflect the Federal Government’s commitment, alongside its partners, to protect vulnerable populations, especially children and pregnant women, from malaria,” she stated.
Dr. Ogbulafor commended the Niger State Government for demonstrating strong leadership and commitment in the fight against malaria, noting that over 11.4 million ITNs have been distributed in the state since 2009.
Earlier, Dr. Ibrahim Idris, Director of Public Health at the Ministry for Secondary Health, said the ongoing campaign was part of government efforts to reduce malaria burden to a pre-elimination level in the state.
He described malaria as one of the leading public health challenges in Niger, with a prevalence rate of 21 percent, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s estimated 68 million annual cases.
According to him, about 3.2 million ITNs will be distributed to households, while over 1.5 million children will receive monthly doses of SPAQ to prevent malaria during the rainy season.
“The goal of this integrated campaign is to ensure universal coverage and at least 80 percent utilisation of treated nets in all communities,” Idris said.
Also speaking, Dr. Abdullahi Imam, Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Health, said the administration of Governor Umaru Bago has prioritised the health of residents, particularly women and children.
He added that the state government has provided an enabling environment for development partners to implement key health interventions, including the malaria campaign and Vitamin A supplementation.
Similarly, Mr. Ayuba Apagu, State Programme Manager, Malaria Consortium, who spoke on behalf of the development partners, described the campaign as another milestone in the collective efforts to make Niger State malaria-free.
“Let every net hug be a barrier of protection and a promise of health for our children. We urge all residents to support this exercise and encourage those with e-token slips to collect their nets,” Apagu said.
Dr. Mustapha Jibrin, Chairman-elect of Chanchaga Local Government Area, pledged the council’s support to ensure full compliance at the grassroots level.
He urged residents to make proper use of the distributed nets, stressing that they are meant for sleeping and not for protecting farm produce.
The event also featured the decoration of Ibrahim Sale Majinyawa, Secretary to the Chanchaga Local Government, as Malaria Advocate of the Council.
