The Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, says the state will commence the distribution of two million long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) to households across all Local Government Areas (LGAs).
El-Imam stated this at a news conference held on Friday in Ilorin as part of activities to commemorate World Malaria Day 2026.
The theme for the day is: “Driven to End Malaria; Now We Can, Now We Must.”
She explained that the day serves as a clarion call for urgent action and the effective use of new tools and innovations to save lives.
She emphasized the need for Nigeria to join the 47 countries and one territory certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO), including recent additions such as Egypt and Timor-Leste.
According to her, by June, Kwara will continue its routine yearly house-to-house distribution of malaria preventive drugs (SPAQ) for children aged three to 59 months during the peak of the rainy season.
“In selected public health facilities, malaria treatment is free. This includes free rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits, treatment with Artemether-Lumefantrine for uncomplicated malaria, and intravenous Artesunate for severe cases,” she said.
The commissioner noted that malaria remains a major public health and development challenge, adding that in 2024, the global burden rose to an estimated 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths.
“The African region accounts for 94 per cent of cases and 95 per cent of deaths.
“Nigeria remains at the epicentre of this crisis, accounting for about 24.3 per cent of global malaria cases and 30.3 per cent of deaths.
“On average, two out of every hospital visits are malaria-related, while three out of five admissions are due to malaria, mainly among children under five.
“Despite these figures, there is reason for hope. Globally, interventions since 2000 have averted 2.3 billion cases and 14 million deaths.
“In Nigeria, malaria prevalence has declined from 42 per cent in 2010 to 15 per cent in 2025,” she said.
El-Imam added that Kwara has made notable progress in malaria control, emerging as a model for sub-national success.
“The state has procured and distributed Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) to over 350 public health facilities,” she said.
In his address, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohammed Janabi, said the mosquito continues to cause enormous harm, killing hundreds of thousands of people each year, especially young African children.
Janabi, who was represented by Dr Emmanuel Eyitayo, the WHO representative in Kwara, said more than 10 countries have increased domestic financing for malaria programmes since January 2025.
He added that 25 countries are rolling out malaria vaccines, helping to protect about 10 million children annually.
“Next-generation mosquito nets designed to overcome insecticide resistance now account for the majority of newly distributed nets.
“Digital technologies are improving our ability to predict, detect and respond to outbreaks, while new vector control innovations are expanding our toolbox.
“However, progress is not guaranteed, as funding gaps continue to slow the response,” he said.
Earlier, the Head of Malaria Case Management in the state, Dr Kazeem Oladapo, said Kwara has made significant progress in scaling up malaria control interventions with support from the Global Fund and other partners.
He noted that despite these efforts, malaria remains a major health challenge in Nigeria, which accounts for about 24 per cent of global malaria cases.
“Malaria accounts for 20 to 30 per cent of hospital admissions, especially among children under five,” he said.
Oladapo reiterated the commitment of the government and its partners to eliminating malaria, stressing that the disease is preventable, treatable, and can be eradicated.
