The Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, unveiled a digital offensive against malaria for the prevention of the disease.
The initiative themed, “Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitisation Program in Lagos State,” was launched by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, at an event held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The initiative, Sanwo-Olu disclosed, was targeted at revolutionising malaria control in Lagos State through digital innovation and strategic public-private partnerships.
Addressing global partners, policymakers, health practitioners, and pharmaceutical stakeholders at the launch, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised the socioeconomic burden malaria imposes on Lagosians.
He noted that the disease hampers productivity, drains household incomes, and disrupts educational pursuits, particularly among modest earners.
The governor also stressed that eradicating malaria is not just a health imperative but also an economic necessity that could significantly boost the state’s GDP.
He cautioned against self-diagnosis and the assumption that all fevers are malaria-related, advocating for transparency and prompt testing to ensure appropriate treatment. The governor also lauded the integration of digital tools in the programme, which will enable real-time tracking of malaria cases, thereby enhancing the efficiency of interventions.
Sanwo-Olu also commended the state’s Ministry of Health and its partners for their transparent presentation of data and ongoing efforts to meet the 2025 targets for malaria elimination.
“To my fellow Lagosians: this fight belongs to each one of us. Let us embrace preventive measures like eliminating mosquito breeding sites and adopt a ‘test-before-treatment’ approach to ensure accurate diagnoses. And let us remain vigilant in protecting ourselves and our loved ones from this disease. We can rewrite the story of malaria in Lagos State—from one of loss and struggle to one of triumph and progress. This programme is our legacy—a gift to future generations who will inherit a healthier, stronger Lagos,” he said.
The governor expressed optimism that with collective effort, the state could rewrite its malaria narrative and achieve significant public health milestones.
Speaking in the same vein, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, expressed delight at Lagos State’s pioneering initiative, recalling the state’s early efforts in malaria case management under former Governor and current President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He commended the new programme for aligning with the Federal Ministry of Health’s ‘Rethinking Malaria’ concept, launched in April 2024, which aims to fast-track malaria elimination through strategic shifts.
Dr Salako highlighted the programme’s focus on integrating digital health solutions for real-time electronic reporting, which is expected to improve malaria diagnosis and case management. He noted that Lagos State consistently records the lowest malaria prevalence in Nigeria, with a 2021 survey indicating a 2% prevalence rate. The minister expressed confidence that with concerted efforts, the state could achieve pre-elimination status, serving as a model for the rest of the country.
The minister underscored the critical role of the private sector in healthcare delivery, noting that approximately 50-60% of Nigerians seek treatment first in private health facilities.
He called on all stakeholders to maintain their support for impactful interventions aimed at malaria elimination while assuring Nigerians and international partners that recent changes in global health funding policies would not adversely affect Nigeria’s malaria elimination programmes.
In his presentation titled ‘Winning the Fight Against Malaria in Lagos State,’ the State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, emphasised that malaria remains a major public health challenge, contributing to mortality, economic burden, and reduced human capital development. He noted that while Nigeria bears the highest malaria burden globally—accounting for 27% of global cases—Lagos State has successfully reduced its prevalence to 2.6%, positioning it in the low transmission category. He credited this progress to sustained interventions, private sector partnerships, and digital health innovations.
The Commissioner underscored that achieving malaria pre-elimination requires continued efforts in early diagnosis, effective treatment, and vector control measures such as indoor residual spraying and larviciding. He further emphasised the role of community education, digital health tracking, and strengthened health service delivery in sustaining progress. “Lagos State is on the verge of malaria pre-elimination, and if we align our strategies effectively, we can achieve this goal sooner than expected,” he stated.
Country Representative for the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Kazadi Walter Mulombo, commended Lagos State for its leadership in malaria control. He noted that Lagos serves as a model for urban malaria control, effectively addressing both low transmission areas and malaria hotspots. He emphasised the importance of evidence-based interventions, private sector collaboration, and sustained government commitment in achieving malaria elimination goals.
Country Director for Nigeria at the World Bank, Dr Ndiame Diop, also lauded Lagos State’s efforts in malaria control. He emphasised the economic impact of malaria, noting that 30% of under-five deaths and 60% of outpatient visits in Nigeria are linked to malaria. He highlighted the World Bank’s continued commitment to supporting policies and interventions aimed at malaria elimination.
The Managing Director of the Society for Family Health (SFH), Dr Omokhudu Idogho, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the need for sustained interventions in malaria prevention, treatment, and community sensitisation. He pointed out that leveraging digital technology for case tracking and surveillance will be crucial in accelerating progress towards malaria elimination.
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