Malaria: Kano govt plans total elimination of mosquitoes

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Kano state government through the Ministry of Health is currently mapping out strategies on the procurement of items and materials that can ensure total elimination of mosquitoes so as to make the state malaria-free.

The state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf stated this during a Press Conference organised to commomerate the 2026 World Malaria Day.

According to the Commissioner, the state government is partnering with the Federal Ministry of Health as well as local and international development partners to achieve the feat.

Dr. Labaran Yusuf who hinted that mosquito bite remains the major cause of malaria, also appealed to residents to always apply preventive measures towards ensuring that mosquitoes are eliminated within their environment.

He particularly appealed to residents to disallow stagnant and dirty water around their residents, adding that mosquitoes comfortably habitat in such places to breed and multiply.

According to him, Kano accounts for about 18 percent of reported cases of malaria in the country.

The development, he said, has prompted the state government to intensify emergency measures to curb the spread of the disease across the state.

He further stated that the state government has prioritized the provision of antimalarial drugs, diagnostic kits, and other essential medical supplies to strengthen the fight against the disease.

According to him, the government is also working to improve public awareness on preventive measures, especially in rural communities where mosquito prevalence is higher.

He stressed that collaboration between the government and the public is crucial in reducing the number of infections, through elimination of mosquitoes.

Dr. Labaran Yusuf, however, urged residents to adopt preventive measures such as the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, maintaining clean environments, and avoiding stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

He further advised that anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, and weakness should promptly visit a health facility for proper testing and treatment.