The Kogi State Government says it has recorded a drop in malaria prevalence, cutting infections by nearly half in four years, as the government intensifies efforts to prevent new cases of transmission in the state.

The Government says malaria prevalence in the state has declined from 16 per cent in 2021 to 8.9 per cent in 2025, marking a major milestone in its public health drive.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, announced the progress during an event commemorating the 2026 World Malaria Day at the Ministry of Health in Lokoja.

Speaking on the theme, “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must,” Adams described malaria as a persistent public health threat, particularly among children under five and pregnant women.

He noted that although Nigeria accounts for about 24 per cent of the global malaria burden and 30 per cent of related deaths, Kogi has recorded measurable gains through deliberate policies, sustained investments, and strategic partnerships.

The Commissioner credited the achievements to the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the support of development partners and stakeholders.

According to him, key interventions include the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention programme implemented across all 21 local government areas since 2021, protecting thousands of vulnerable children.

He also disclosed that more than 3.6 million insecticide-treated nets will be distributed to households across the state before the end of the year to further reduce transmission.

Adams added that the state has secured approval to boost immunisation efforts in three local government areas, while enlisting new initiatives to provide free malaria testing and treatment in public health facilities.

He said the initiative has strengthened healthcare delivery through continuous training of health workers, improved data management, and the installation of incinerators at Specialist Hospital Lokoja and Kabba General Hospital to enhance medical waste disposal.

The Commissioner emphasized that community engagement through Ward Development Committees and sustained capacity building for health workers have been critical in maintaining the progress recorded so far.

He commended Governor Ododo for providing leadership, counterpart funding, and logistics support, describing them as vital to the success of malaria control programmes in the state.

Adams also praised the impact of development partners, stakeholders, and frontline health workers for their commitment and resilience to defeat malaria and other health challenges in the state.

While acknowledging the significant progress, he stressed that the fight against malaria is far from over, calling for sustained collaboration to achieve total elimination.

“We must continue to ensure that no one is left behind as we work towards a malaria-free Kogi,” he said.