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Plateau state Rallies for Malaria-Free Future as Prevalence Drops to 2.8%
The Plateau State Government, in collaboration with the Plateau State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), development partners, and key stakeholders, on Saturday marked the 2026 World Malaria Day with a renewed call for sustained action to eliminate malaria across the state and Nigeria.
The event, held at Crystal Hall, Crispan Suites in Jos, carried the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must,” alongside the slogan “Let’s Do It.” Activities commenced with a sensitization health walk from Air Force Roundabout to the venue, aimed at raising awareness on malaria prevention.
The commemoration attracted a wide range of participants, including healthcare workers, students of health institutions, SMEP officials, development partners, and representatives of the Plateau State Ministry of Health.
Representing the Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo, Dr. Benjamin Garkuwa Sumi described the occasion as a moment to reflect on progress made and reinforce commitment to ending malaria, which remains a major public health concern in Nigeria.
He noted that Nigeria accounts for nearly a quarter of global malaria cases and deaths, with an estimated nine to ten fatalities recorded every hour. Despite this, he highlighted significant progress, revealing that malaria prevalence in Plateau State dropped from 18.8% in 2021 to 2.8% in 2025.
Dr. Sumi attributed the achievement to coordinated efforts by the State Ministry of Health, SMEP, and development partners. He also pointed to key milestones, including over 100% coverage during the 2024 and 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention campaigns and a 96% success rate in the 2024 distribution of insecticide-treated nets. He added that malaria testing kits and treatment drugs are now available in over 400 health facilities across the state.
He urged residents to adopt preventive measures such as consistent use of treated mosquito nets, maintaining clean environments, early testing, and proper antenatal care.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, commended stakeholders for their contributions and stressed the importance of environmental sanitation in eliminating mosquito breeding sites. He expressed confidence that sustained efforts could lead to near-zero malaria prevalence in Plateau State.
Also speaking, the Programme Manager of SMEP, Nurse Kisito Ndak, described the celebration as both a milestone and a platform to assess progress and plan ahead. He credited the decline in malaria cases to interventions by partners, including the Malaria Consortium, alongside increased public awareness through media and community outreach.
In a keynote address, Dr. Elijah Otopka emphasized that malaria remains one of the deadliest mosquito-borne diseases globally, with Africa accounting for about 95% of deaths. He noted that Plateau State’s progress demonstrates the effectiveness of interventions such as treated nets, seasonal prevention, rapid testing, and improved treatment services.
He called for increased funding, stronger health systems, and continued collaboration, stressing that the tools and knowledge needed to eliminate malaria are already available.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Malaria Consortium, Dr. Mbwas Mashor highlighted that over one million children in Plateau benefit annually from preventive malaria treatment under the SMC programme. He urged sustained investment and data-driven strategies to prevent a resurgence.
Similarly, a representative of the World Health Organization, Muoghah Abere Favour, reaffirmed support for Plateau State and Nigeria, emphasizing prevention through treated nets, timely treatment, and improved environmental hygiene.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that while significant progress has been made, continued collaboration and public participation are essential to achieving a malaria-free Plateau State and Nigeria.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has called on Nigerians to strengthen support for breastfeeding by creating enabling environments for mothers at home, in communities, healthcare facilities and workplaces.
The ministry made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by its Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, ahead of the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.
The global event, observed annually from 1 to 7 August, will be commemorated this year under the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
Mr Bako said the theme highlights the need to build on proven strategies that have improved breastfeeding practices while advancing better nutrition, food security and poverty reduction.
He described breastfeeding as the foundation of lifelong health, noting that it provides optimal nutrition for infants, strengthens immunity and supports healthy brain development.
“Breastfeeding supports healthy brain development, improves child survival and contributes significantly to human capital development and national productivity,” he said.
Mr Bako added that promoting and protecting breastfeeding also reduced healthcare costs, while advancing food security and social equity.
The ministry emphasises that every mother deserves the support needed to breastfeed successfully.
“Families, healthcare providers, employers, communities and policymakers all have critical roles in ensuring that breastfeeding mothers receive adequate care, encouragement and workplace support,” he said.
Mr Bako reiterated the ministry’s recommendations on optimal infant feeding practices, including early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
He also emphasised the introduction of appropriate complementary foods from six months, while continuing breastfeeding up to two years old or beyond.
He noted that breastmilk remained the ideal food for infants because it was safe, readily available, affordable and hygienic, while providing the first line of protection against many common childhood illnesses.
READ ALSO: UNICEF advocates exclusive breastfeeding to protect children against diphtheria
According to him, increased breastfeeding also helps families avoid the high financial burden associated with infant formula and preventable diseases.
Mr Bako said activities lined up for the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week would be held nationwide and include a national commemoration on 3 August.
Other activities, he said, include a media conference by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, community outreach programmes among others.
He called on Nigerians to support mothers in breastfeeding according to national recommendations.
“Collective action to protect, promote and support breastfeeding is an investment in healthier children, stronger families and a more prosperous Nigeria,” Mr Bako said. (NAN)
As the 2026 Commonwealth Games approach, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has set an ambitious target of 20 gold medals, following one of the most comprehensive preparations in Team Nigeria’s history.
Nigeria will compete in Weightlifting, Para Powerlifting, Athletics, 3×3 Basketball, Swimming, Boxing, and Judo, with the team’s high-performance camp at the Aberdeen Sports Village providing a world-class environment for final preparations.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, saying:
“We are not in Glasgow to participate; we are here to compete and make Nigeria proud. Every aspect of our preparation from training to accommodation and athlete welfare reflects our commitment to excellence.
We believe in this team and are confident they will deliver outstanding results for Nigeria. The performances of our athletes around the world have already set the tone for a strong showing in Glasgow.”
Driven by the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NSC’s strategic investment in athlete preparation has positioned Team Nigeria to compete with confidence and determination. For the first time in many years, Nigeria heads into the Commonwealth Games fully prepared, focused, and poised to make a powerful statement on the global stage.
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