FG, Lagos unite in bold push to end Malaria

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Federal Government and the Lagos State Government have jointly declared zero tolerance for malaria, pledging to intensify efforts toward the elimination of the disease.

The declaration was made on Thursday during the mid-term review of the Impact Project and the roadmap toward malaria elimination in Lagos State.

Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, commended Lagos State for showing leadership and commitment in the campaign against malaria.

“I commend the Lagos State Government for pioneering this initiative and for its unwavering dedication to malaria control. This effort shows that with determination and innovation, we can overcome even the toughest challenges,” the minister said.

He also expressed appreciation to both national and international partners for their collaboration, reaffirming the Federal Ministry of Health’s commitment to supporting Lagos through the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP).

Highlighting some of the project’s milestones, Professor Pate pointed to the successful onboarding of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) and community pharmacies into a regulated and digitised malaria service delivery system.

According to him, the integration of digital technology has “significantly improved data collection, analysis, and reporting, enabling better tracking of progress, identification of service gaps, and data-driven decision-making to strengthen malaria interventions.”

Delivering the keynote address, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to moving from a high malaria burden to a pre-elimination stage, paving the way for a malaria-free Lagos.

The governor explained that the state is relying on evidence, technology, and collaboration to drive progress.

He underscored the importance of monitoring field data to ensure the effective use of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and accurate reporting from private pharmacies and PPMVs.

“This review is focused on accountability, scale, quality, and community ownership,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He stressed that malaria control cannot be achieved through clinical interventions alone, urging households and communities to take ownership of prevention measures.

“We cannot tackle malaria just by focusing on clinics. Households and communities must step up by eliminating breeding sites, getting tested promptly, and trusting the health system,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu added that Lagos’ strategy is anchored on strong communication, a robust network of community health workers, and active partnerships with traditional leaders, market groups, and schools.

“We must embed the message of prevention and testing into every aspect of life in Lagos,” he stated.

Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, observed that although progress has been recorded, significant challenges persist in balancing provider and patient behaviours in malaria case management.

He explained that healthcare workers often face overwhelming patient volumes, which makes strict adherence to diagnostic protocols difficult.

According to him, providers must be adequately trained in the use of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and microscopy, and supported with job aids and treatment algorithms to guide clinical decisions.

Ogboye also underscored the need for sustained public education so that patients understand why malaria drugs cannot be prescribed without proper testing.

He proposed regular clinical audits and prescription reviews to strengthen accountability, while stressing that the high cost of diagnostic tests discourages patients from seeking proper care.

He suggested that Lagos may need to fully subsidise malaria testing. “If we want to stop irrational use of malaria drugs, then testing must remain free or affordable,” he said, warning that otherwise patients would resort to buying drugs indiscriminately.