The media engagement brought together health professionals, development partners, journalists and other stakeholders to strengthen public awareness and mobilise support ahead of the 2026 SMC implementation cycle.
According to Andarawus, the remarkable decline in malaria cases in Plateau State is the result of increased political commitment, improved implementation of malaria interventions, sustained government support and the contributions of development partners, particularly the Malaria Consortium.
She disclosed that malaria prevalence in the state has dropped dramatically from 18.8 per cent in 2021 to 2.8 per cent in 2025, representing an 87 per cent reduction.
“The prevalence rate has dropped from 18.8 per cent in 2021 to 2.8 per cent in 2025, representing about an 87 per cent reduction. It shows that malaria elimination is possible, and with sustained support for the SMC programme, we can achieve zero malaria,” she said.
Speaking at the event, the Project Manager of Malaria Consortium, Dr. Mbwas Mashor, explained that the media parley was organised to improve public awareness, promote accurate information and encourage caregivers to ensure that eligible children receive the preventive medicines during the campaign.
He noted that Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) is a World Health Organisation (WHO)-recommended intervention designed to protect children aged three to 59 months against malaria during periods of high transmission.
Dr. Mashor stressed that the success of the programme depends largely on effective community mobilisation and accurate dissemination of information, making the media a critical partner in achieving the campaign’s objectives.
Representatives of the Plateau State Ministry of Health, Plateau State Primary Health Care Board, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) also commended the achievements recorded in malaria control across the state.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the 2026 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention campaign and urged journalists to play an active role in combating misinformation, promoting community acceptance and ensuring that caregivers across Plateau State are fully informed about the exercise and its benefits.
They expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among government, development partners, healthcare providers, the media and communities would further accelerate Plateau State’s journey toward eliminating malaria.

The Plateau State Police Command has warned its personnel that no officer has the legal authority to stop any citizen on the road and demand access to the contents of their mobile phone without a court warrant.

The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, Bassey Ewah, gave the warning in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred.

The statement read, “In line with his unwavering stance against misconduct and unprofessional behaviour by Police personnel, the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, CP Bassey Ewah, wishes to reiterate unequivocally, that no officer or personnel of the Plateau State Police Command has the legal authority to stop any citizen and demand access to or search the contents of their mobile phone on the road without a court warrant.”

He urged residents to politely resist such unlawful demands and report any officer found engaging in the practice through the command’s complaint channels.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to lawful policing and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.

According to him, the Plateau State Police Command remained committed to protecting the lives, property and rights of all Plateau citizens, adding, “We assure the good people of the State of our continued commitment to ensuring effective policing in line with the law and global best practices.