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.