April 24,2026
The Kogi Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating malaria, highlighting significant progress recorded in the state in recent years.
Dr Abdulazeez Adeiza, the Commissioner for Health, gave the assurance on Friday in Lokoja during the commemoration of the 2026 World Malaria Day.
Adeiza, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Enoch Maji, described malaria as a major public health concern, particularly among children under five and pregnant women.
He noted that Nigeria still bears a disproportionate share of the global malaria burden, accounting for about 24 per cent of cases and 30 per cent of deaths, according to the 2025 World Malaria Report.
The Commissioner, however, said Kogi had made notable progress, with malaria prevalence dropping from 16 per cent in 2021 to 8.9 per cent in 2025, based on the National Malaria Indicator Survey.
He attributed the improvement to strategic investments, strong partnerships and the commitment of the state government under Gov. Ahmed Ododo.
Adeiza said the 2026 World Malaria Day theme, “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must,” underscored the urgency of consolidating gains and achieving zero prevalence.
He commended development partners, particularly the Malaria Consortium, for implementing Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention across the 21 Local Government Areas since 2021.
According to him, the intervention has significantly reduced illness and deaths among children under five.
The commissioner also disclosed plans by the government to distribute over 3.6 million
insecticide-treated nets across the state before the end of the year.
While commending Ododo for providing counterpart funding and logistical support, Adeiza also lauded stakeholders and staff of the State Malaria Elimination Programme for their dedication.
He, however, cautioned that the fight against malaria was not over, calling for sustained collaboration, continued investment and inclusive strategies to ensure no community was left behind.
Together, we can achieve a malaria-free Kogi State,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr Stephen Ake, the Programme Manager of the Kogi Malaria Elimination Programme, stressed the need to intensify public awareness on malaria prevention.
Ake said that although the prevalence of the disease was declining, residents must remain informed and vigilant to sustain progress.
Also speaking, Dr Salamatu Yahaya, the State Team Lead of FAMKRIS Health Care Initiative, highlighted the impact of the Islamic Development Bank’s Lives and Livelihoods Fund project on malaria control efforts in the state.
Yahaya said the project provided free malaria testing and treatment in public health facilities, while strengthening healthcare waste management through the installation of incinerators at the Specialist Hospital in Lokoja and the General Hospital in Kabba.
She added that health workers had received extensive training in case management, data reporting, community sensitisation and supply chain management.
According to her, Ward Development Committees have also been empowered to drive grassroots interventions, ensuring effective delivery of malaria prevention and treatment services at the community level.
The end.
