News

Plateau Records Major Decline In Malaria Prevalence -Commissioner

Published

2 months ago

April 26, 2026

Preport

By Blessing Odega

The Plateau Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, says the state has recorded a significant decline in malaria prevalence.

Baamlong said this on Saturday, at the 2026 World Malaria Day Symposium organised by Malaria Consortium in collaboration with the State Malaria Eradication Programme (SMEP).

He said that based on the Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey (NMIS), Plateau moved from 18.8 per cent prevalence in 2021 to 2.8 per cent prevalence rate in 2025, which showed a significant decline in malaria cases especially among children aged three to 59 months.

“Data from NMIS shows a dramatic and unprecedented decline in malaria prevalence 0f 18.8 per cent in 2021 (NMIS) to 2.8 per cent in 2025 (NMIS).

“This represents an extraordinary 87 per cent reduction, the highest recorded decline among all states of the Federation and the FCT,” he said.

The commissioner further said that Plateau, in 2024 and 2025, through the State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) with support from Malaria Consortium achieved 100 per cent coverage in its seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC), implementation, which reached one million children aged 3-59 months old .

He said the prophylaxis was administered monthly from June to October during the peak of malaria transmission in over 12,000 communities across 787 catchment health facilities in the 325 wards of the state.

According to him, the act has led to a drastic decrease in the number of children who developed fever in our health facilities due to malaria disease.

Baamlong, said the state ministry of health through the State Malaria Elimination Program and Development partners such as the Global Health Supply Chain-Procurement Supply Management (GHSC-PSM) were supporting 406 facilities with commodities for people to have access to free testing and treatment especially children under five years and pregnant women.

He further said that this act had significantly reduced Child and Maternal Mortality across the state.

Baamlong attributed the state’s success in malaria elimination to strategic planning, strong leadership, effective partnerships and community engagement.

He said for the state to attain a zero malaria status it was pertinent to strengthen community ownership of malaria prevention, ensure consistent use of insecticide-treated nets, promote early testing and prompt treatment.

He further called for expanded preventive therapies for children and pregnant women and the need to invest in new tools, improve data systems and surveillance and increase domestic financing for health.

Similarly, SMEP Programme Manager, Kizito Ndak, explained that the seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention administered to children under five years was aimed at reducing malaria cases among children three to 59 months old especially during the rainy season when prevalence was highest.

Ndak said, “No child under five should die of malaria, as the SMEP in collaboration with Malaria Consortium had prioritised prevention with the deployment of 7,878 community drug distributors across the 325 wards in the state to administer the medication from house-to-house.”

Kizito noted that Plateau emerged first among all Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention implementing states in Nigeria.

He attributed the feat to strong political will, community engagement, and timely government counterpart funding.

Earlier, Dr Maxwell Kolawole, Malaria Consortium’s West and Central Africa Programmes Director, said that no fewer than one million children in Plateau received the free seasonal malaria chemoprevention drugs in 2024 and 2025.

Kolawole, who was represented by Dr Mashor Mbwas, the State Project Manager for Malaria Consortium in Plateau, said children between three months to 59 months of age were given the preventive prophylaxis.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that World Malaria Day is commemorated annually on April 25. (NAN)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

News

Sen Jang Opposes Indigene Certificates for Hausa/Fulani Residents, Raises Concerns Over Plateau Identity

Published

3 hours ago

June 14, 2026

Preport

Former Plateau State Governor and elder statesman, Senator Jonah David Jang, has voiced strong opposition to proposals that would allow Hausa/Fulani residents in Plateau State to obtain indigene certificates, describing the issue as one with far-reaching implications for the state’s cultural heritage, identity, and indigenous rights. Jang made his position known while addressing ongoing debates surrounding citizenship, residency, and indigeneity, topics that have remained at the center of political and social discussions in Plateau State for decades.

According to the former governor, indigene certificates are historically linked to communities and ethnic groups recognized as the original inhabitants of Plateau State and should not be granted solely on the basis of long-term residence. He argued that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to live and conduct lawful activities anywhere in the country, such rights should not automatically translate into indigene status, which he said carries unique cultural and historical significance.

Jang further maintained that preserving the distinction between residents and indigenes is necessary to protect the interests, heritage, and political representation of indigenous communities. He warned that altering the existing framework could create tensions and undermine the rights of groups that have historically been recognized as native to the state. The former governor emphasized the need for careful consideration of any policy changes relating to indigene certificates to avoid unintended consequences.

The comments have since generated mixed reactions among stakeholders across the state and beyond. While supporters of Jang’s position argue that protecting indigenous identity is essential for maintaining social and cultural balance, others contend that individuals who have lived in Plateau for generations should be afforded broader recognition and inclusion. The debate continues to spark conversations on the broader issues of citizenship, belonging, and equal opportunities within Nigeria’s diverse society.

News

Vincent Ugwoke Makes Nigerian Athletics History with NCAA Discus Bronze

Published

4 hours ago

June 14, 2026

Preport

Nigerian thrower Vincent Ugwoke produced one of the most significant performances in Nigerian field event history, launching a massive personal best of 63.89 metres to claim the bronze medal in the men’s discus throw at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Sports247 reports that the outstanding effort not only secured Ugwoke a place on the podium but also elevated him into the history books, recording the furthest discus throw by a Nigerian athlete since 2004.

Competing against one of the strongest collegiate fields in the world, Ugwoke delivered when it mattered most, producing a career-best mark to earn his first NCAA medal and underline his growing status among Nigeria’s elite field athletes.

The event was won by Jamaican star Ralford Mullings, who captured gold with a throw of 65.81m, while compatriot Racquil Broderick secured silver with a personal best of 64.15m. Ugwoke’s 63.89m throw completed the podium and ensured Nigeria was represented among the medal winners.

Beyond the medal itself, the significance of the performance lies in its historical context. Nigerian athletics has traditionally been known for its success in sprinting and jumping events, making Ugwoke’s achievement particularly noteworthy.

His mark stands as the best by a Nigerian discus thrower in more than two decades, highlighting both the quality of his performance and its importance for the development of field events in the country.

The bronze medal also caps an impressive season of progress for the Nigerian, whose steady improvement culminated in a breakthrough performance on one of collegiate athletics’ biggest stages.

Delivering a personal best under championship pressure is a testament to both his preparation and competitive mindset.

For Nigerian athletics, Ugwoke’s achievement serves as a reminder of the growing depth of talent emerging across different disciplines.

His success could provide inspiration for a new generation of throwers looking to make their mark nationally and internationally.

With a personal best, an NCAA bronze medal, and a place in the record books now secured, Vincent Ugwoke leaves the championships having achieved a truly memorable milestone.

His 63.89m throw will be remembered as one of the finest Nigerian discus performances of the modern era and a significant moment in the resurgence of Nigerian field events.