Malaria transmission declining sharply in Lagos – Nigerian govt

The Federal Government has reported a significant decline in malaria transmission in Lagos State, attributing the progress to sustained investments in prevention, testing, and treatment, and suggesting that malaria elimination is within reach in Nigeria.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, made the disclosure on Sunday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

He highlighted Lagos as a model for how coordinated interventions can dramatically reduce the burden of the disease.

“In our fight against malaria, tools such as treated bed nets, seasonal chemoprophylaxis for children, and effective case management are key. Lagos, for example, is now in the pre-elimination stage,” Pate said.

He noted that the state’s achievements mark a sharp improvement compared to previous years, crediting the success to proactive case management, routine testing, and environmental control measures that reduce mosquito breeding.

“Lagos now records a malaria positivity rate of less than 5 percent, a remarkable drop from the nearly 90 percent seen in the past. This demonstrates what is achievable through expanded case management, testing, and measures that limit mosquito proliferation,” the minister added.

Pate explained that beyond bed nets and preventive medicines for children, the government is increasingly focusing on mosquito-control strategies targeting breeding sites.

“At the recent Council on Health in Calabar, we approved the use of larvicides to reduce mosquito larvae. This adds another tool to our malaria control efforts,” he said.

The minister also revealed that Nigeria’s malaria control efforts have attracted international recognition. He noted that experts have praised the country’s progress despite its historically high malaria burden.

“Just this past Friday, the advisory group on malaria elimination visited Nigeria. They reviewed our strategies and progress, and commended the government’s efforts, putting Nigeria ahead of other countries in the region,” he said.

However, Prof. Pate cautioned that challenges remain. He highlighted population growth, climate change, and shifting rainfall patterns as factors that could complicate control efforts if not addressed.

“Population growth continues, which is positive in general, but it presents additional challenges for malaria control. Changing climate and rainfall patterns could also expand malaria transmission beyond traditional seasonal cycles,” he said.

The minister also warned about emerging threats from drug and insecticide resistance, citing poor medication use and weak regulation as contributing factors.

Malaria transmission declining sharply in Lagos – Nigerian govt