Health

Plateau State Hosts Regional Training to Strengthen Malaria Diagnosis Across Nigeria

Published

1 month ago

March 17, 2026

Preport

In a significant boost to Nigeria’s malaria elimination efforts, Plateau State has launched a three-day regional training programme to enhance the diagnostic capacity of laboratory scientists in selected states.

Organized by the REACH Malaria Project in partnership with the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) and the Plateau State Ministry of Health—through the State Malaria Elimination Program (SMEP)—the training is being hosted at the newly upgraded Plateau State Specialist Hospital Laboratory. The facility was recently built and equipped under Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s “The Time Is Now” administration.

Building a Culture of Quality in Malaria Diagnosis

Under the theme *”Supporting a Culture of Quality,”* the programme brings together laboratory scientists from Plateau, Benue, and Kebbi States. Participants are receiving advanced training in microscopic malaria diagnosis—a critical skill for ensuring accurate detection and effective treatment of the disease.

Speaking on behalf of the Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Christopher Yilgwan, Chief Medical Director of Plateau State Specialist Hospital, emphasized that the training targets experienced laboratory professionals who will serve as supervisors and mentors in their respective facilities.

This programme focuses on improving the accuracy and reliability of microscopic malaria diagnosis in healthcare facilities. The selection of Plateau State as host reflects confidence in our infrastructure—particularly the PLASVERIC Public Health Teaching Laboratory, which now meets international standards and can serve as a reference centre for malaria diagnostics, Yilgwan stated.

He commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for prioritizing health infrastructure development, noting that the laboratory upgrades have already attracted strategic partnerships and high-impact training opportunities to the state.

A Strategic Investment in Public Health

Nurse Ndak Kizito Zuhumnan, Program Manager of the Plateau State Malaria Elimination Program, described the training as a testament to the state government’s foresight in strengthening the health sector and creating an enabling environment for development partners.

Accurate diagnosis remains the cornerstone of effective malaria treatment and control. This training is specifically designed to enhance the competence of laboratory scientists in malaria microscopy. Participants drawn from tertiary hospitals, private facilities, and primary healthcare centres will return to their institutions to support peer learning, provide mentorship, and strengthen quality assurance processes, Zuhumnan explained.

He added that the impact of the training will extend beyond participating facilities. Trained scientists will support community-level malaria services by supervising and conducting quality checks, ensuring that diagnostic results informing treatment decisions are accurate and reliable.

Zuhumnan also highlighted that the presence of participants from other states underscores Plateau’s growing reputation as a hub for diagnostic excellence and public health collaboration.

Global Partnership Driving Local Impact

Senior Diagnostic Specialist with the REACH PATH Project, Ojo Abiodun, noted that the training forms part of broader efforts to strengthen malaria diagnostic services across supported states through targeted capacity building.

The REACH Project, funded by the United States Department of State, supports Nigeria’s efforts to improve malaria diagnosis and treatment outcomes by ensuring that test results used for treatment decisions are accurate and reliable, Abiodun said.

He disclosed that the training is facilitated by World Health Organisation-certified Level 1 expert microscopists, who are equipping participants with advanced skills in malaria microscopy. Participants were selected based on prior completion of basic malaria microscopy training recommended by national and global health authorities, positioning them to further strengthen supervisory capacity in their regions.

Commitment to Saving Lives

Welcoming participants and facilitators, Dr. Alice Pam-Tok, Plateau State Coordinator for the REACH Project, reiterated that improved quality assurance in malaria diagnosis is critical to ensuring effective treatment and reducing malaria-related illness and deaths in affected communities.

When diagnosis is accurate, treatment is timely and appropriate. This training is not just about technical skills—it’s about saving lives and moving Nigeria closer to malaria elimination, she affirmed.

Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, accounting for a significant proportion of outpatient visits and hospital admissions. Strengthening laboratory capacity is a strategic priority in the National Malaria Strategic Plan, and initiatives like this regional training are vital to achieving sustainable progress.

With its upgraded laboratory infrastructure and commitment to health sector innovation, Plateau State is positioning itself as a leader in diagnostic excellence—a model that could be replicated across other states in the region

Related Topics:Plateau State Hosts Regional Training to Strengthen Malaria Diagnosis Across Nigeria

Up Next

AFCON 2025 Final Drama: Senegal Rejects CAF Verdict, Heads to Court After Morocco Named Champions

Don't Miss

Multiple Blasts Rock Maiduguri, Kill 23 and Injure Over 100 in Deadly Night Attack

Click to comment

Health

Cholera Outbreak In 10 States Imminent – FG Warns

Published

1 day ago

April 16, 2026

Preport

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has raised alarm of imminent cholera outbreak in 10 states, namely, Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba, and Kwara.

NCDC, in a statement, yesterday, said the alarm followed flood predictions issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency indicating that the aforementioned states would experience heavy rainfall and flooding between 13th and 17th April 2026.

NCDC noted that, already, cases of cholera are on the rise across the cholera-prone states, and that could simply be attributed to the rainy season, and flood that might have contaminated people’s sources of food and water.

It said: “Recent national surveillance data show increasing cholera activity across multiple states. Flooding during this period can rapidly increase the risk of disease outbreaks due to contamination of drinking water sources, disruption of sanitation systems, and increased exposure of communities to unsafe environmental conditions. Importantly, these risks are preventable with early action.”

NCDC, thus asked residents in the affected and at-risk states/areas to use only safe water for drinking and cooking (boil, chlorinate, or use bottled water), wash hands frequently with soap and clean water especially before eating and after using the toilet, avoid contact with floodwater as much as possible, maintain proper sanitation including safe disposal of waste and avoidance of open defecation.

NCDC also asked the residents to handle and store food safely to prevent contamination, sleep under insecticide-treated nets to prevent mosquito bites, and seek care immediately at the nearest health facility in cases of diarrhoea, vomiting or fever.

It, however, highlighted the roles expected of community leaders and local authorities in preventing outbreaks, and encouraged them to support environmental sanitation and drainage clearance, promote access to safe water and hygiene practices, encourage early reporting of suspected illness, and support dissemination of accurate public health information.

Director General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, confirmed that the Agency is working closely with State Ministries of Health and relevant partners to strengthen surveillance, enhance preparedness, and support rapid response in affected areas.

He also stated that state governments are also being supported to activate multisectoral response mechanisms, particularly in water, sanitation, and emergency management, insisting that early action, community vigilance, and prompt care-seeking can prevent outbreaks and save lives.

Health

Plateau Hospital Dismisses Alleged Terror Attack, Abduction Plot, Reassures Public of Safety

Published

2 days ago

April 15, 2026

Preport

The management of Plateau State Specialist Hospital has refuted reports circulating on social media alleging tension within the facility over a purported plot by terrorists to abduct doctors and other staff.

In a press release issued on April 15, 2026, and signed by the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Talatu Achan Angi, the management described the claims as misleading and sensational.

The statement clarified that the circular referenced in the viral report was strictly an internal communication intended as part of routine security briefings to staff. According to the hospital, such communications are standard practice aimed at encouraging vigilance and caution, particularly in light of prevailing security concerns.

“The circular was not an indication of any imminent threat but a proactive measure to ensure staff remain security-conscious in the course of their duties,” the statement explained.

Addressing concerns raised by the report, the management firmly stated that there is no form of tension within the hospital. It emphasized that both staff and patients are going about their normal activities, with all clinical services continuing without any disruption.

The hospital further urged members of the public to disregard any information capable of causing panic or undermining the relative peace in the state.

Reassuring the public, the management affirmed that the facility remains safe, fully operational, and committed to delivering quality healthcare services.

It also encouraged patients and residents to continue to access medical care at the hospital, noting that all relevant personnel are on ground and ready to attend to their needs.