The Northwest has recorded the highest malaria prevalence among Nigerian children aged 6–59 months, with 19.1 per cent testing positive by microscopy in 2025, according to data from the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP). The South-West recorded the lowest prevalence, at 9.3 per cent.
The North-East followed with 16.9 per cent, while the South-East recorded 16.2 per cent. North-Central recorded 11.7 per cent, South-South 9.6 per cent, and South-West 9.3 per cent.
Prevalence by zone
| Rank | Geopolitical zone | Malaria prevalence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | North-West | 19.1% |
| 2 | North-East | 16.9% |
| 3 | South-East | 16.2% |
| 4 | North-Central | 11.7% |
| 5 | South-South | 9.6% |
| 6 | South-West | 9.3% |
The figures show a 9.8 percentage-point difference between the highest-burden zone, North-West, and the lowest, South-West. They also indicate that all three northern zones recorded higher prevalence than the three southern zones.
National picture
Nationally, malaria parasite prevalence among children aged 6–59 months fell from 22 per cent in 2021 to 15.2 per cent in 2025, according to the Federal Government. The government has set a target to reduce malaria prevalence and malaria-attributable deaths by 50 per cent from 2025 levels by 2030.
The zonal figures underscore the uneven distribution of Nigeria’s malaria burden. Previous analyses have similarly found wide disparities across states and zones, with prevalence shaped by differences in vector exposure, access to prevention and treatment, urbanisation, and socioeconomic conditions.
Health experts say the data reinforces the need for targeted interventions in high-burden zones, including sustained insecticide-treated net distribution, seasonal malaria chemoprevention where applicable, prompt diagnosis and treatment, and stronger surveillance in northern communities.
