FCT renews commitment to eradicating malaria

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has renewed its commitment to eradicating malaria, which poses a major public health challenge in the territory.

The Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, made this declaration on Friday at the commemoration of the 2025 World Malaria Day, held at Asokoro General Hospital.

The theme for this year’s celebration, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest. Reimagine. Reignite,” served as a reminder of the collective role individuals and governments play in ending malaria.

Fasawe said there is a need for everyone to get involved in the fight against malaria, citing the importance of sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, eliminating stagnant water, seeking medical care promptly, and educating family and neighbors.

While speaking further, Fasawe stated that malaria remains a significant challenge in the FCT, with an estimated 18.8% of the population affected and 1.4 million cases recorded annually.

ALSO READ: Firm restates commitment to stamp out Malaria from Nigeria

She also raised concerns over the economic toll of malaria, adding that it reduces productivity and increases healthcare expenses for families and the government.

“The FCTA is scaling up malaria interventions, strengthening monitoring systems, and collaborating with partners to combat the disease.

“We urge residents to take advantage of free malaria testing services and make use of insecticide-treated nets provided by the government.

“The World Malaria Report 2022 revealed that Nigeria accounted for 27% of the global malaria burden, with 68 million cases and a high number of malaria-related deaths, especially among children under five.

“FCT is committed to reducing this burden through sustained efforts and community engagement.

“To achieve this goal, the FCT will focus on promoting healthier practices and encouraging community ownership of malaria prevention strategies.

“By working together, the government and residents can build a future where malaria is a thing of the past and every community is healthy, safe, and thriving.

“The commemoration of World Malaria Day serves as a reminder of the progress made so far and the challenges that lie ahead.

“With renewed commitment and collective action, the FCT government is determined to reignite the fight against malaria and create a healthier future for its residents,” she added.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Baba Gana Adam, disclosed that the FCT recently began a valuable partnership with FAMKLIS to ensure antimalarial drugs are available free of charge in all health facilities.

“Today, we continue that effort; everyone here will be able to get tested and receive a free insecticide-treated net.”

He expressed gratitude to all partners, especially the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as traditional, community, and religious leaders who were present.

“We encourage you to take the message back home and support the goal of a malaria-free Nigeria.

“Let the change start with each of us. Keep your surroundings clean, sleep under insecticide-treated nets, and always get tested and treated when necessary.”

Also speaking, the Malaria Consortium Technical Specialist, Dr. Jennifer Chukwumerije, noted that the 2025 World Malaria Day theme calls on all stakeholders to redouble efforts and renew their commitment towards eradicating malaria.

Chukwumerije, who represented the Programme Director of Malaria Consortium West and Central Africa, said, “It reminds us that while malaria is both preventable and treatable, it continues to pose a serious public health threat, claiming one life every minute, with the greatest burden borne by sub-Saharan Africa.

“Children under five and pregnant women remain particularly vulnerable.

“Now more than ever, amidst conflict, humanitarian crises, climate change, and shrinking resources, we must act decisively.

“The path to elimination is possible, thanks to decades of research, proven tools, and our shared commitment.

“But progress requires sustained investment, innovation, and collaboration.

“We must reinvest in proven, life-saving interventions, reimagine how we address emerging challenges with bold and innovative strategies, and reignite the energy and leadership needed at every level—from community health workers to national governments,” she said.

 

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE