The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has called for sustained, collective action to treat malaria as a national emergency.
In her message on World Malaria Day, observed annually on April 25, she said, “Malaria is not just a public health challenge but a national emergency, particularly as Nigeria bears the highest global burden of the disease.
“When we stand united, we can achieve a malaria-free world.
“Today, on World Malaria Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ending malaria and protecting the health of every individual.
“The 2026 theme, ‘United Against Malaria,’ highlights the urgent need for sustained collaboration, increased domestic financing, and innovative solutions to overcome challenges such as drug resistance and unequal access to healthcare.
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“Let us strengthen prevention efforts, support life-saving interventions, and ensure that every community, especially the most vulnerable, has access to the materials needed to prevent and treat malaria.”
She urged government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, health workers, and community leaders to join forces to secure a lasting solution.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria continues to bear the highest global burden of malaria, accounting for approximately 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of global malaria deaths.
