By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Borno State Government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, commemorated World Malaria Day 2025 in Maiduguri, launching a nationwide initiative to provide free malaria treatment at all Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Health and Human Services and the National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA), announced the subsidization of malaria treatment as part of Nigeria’s strategy to eliminate malaria by 2030.
The initiative prioritizes vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children under five, migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and refugees.
Speaking at the event held at Pinnacle Hotel Banquet Hall, Borno State Commissioner for Health, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, emphasized the devastating impact of malaria, exacerbated by climate change, insecurity, and humanitarian crises.
He expressed solidarity with families who have lost loved ones to the disease and highlighted Borno’s progress, noting a 20% decline in malaria cases and a 25% reduction in deaths since 2010.
“While our strategies are working, we must sustain momentum and strengthen partnerships, particularly with the private sector, to fully eliminate malaria,” Prof. Gana said, referencing this year’s theme, “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.”
Dr. Ibrahim Salisu, WHO Borno State Coordinator, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Borno’s malaria elimination efforts.
He highlighted the disproportionate burden on children under five and marginalized communities, noting that those from the poorest households in sub-Saharan Africa are five times more likely to contract malaria.
He said the WHO and partners have supported Borno’s Malaria Elimination Programme by deploying mobile health teams to hard-to-reach areas, providing antimalarial drugs (ACTs), intermittent prophylactic therapy, and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) for pregnant women. Additionally, WHO has bolstered capacity building for health workers and provided technical support for malaria testing and case management.
Dr. Salisu urged stakeholders to address challenges like drug resistance, funding gaps, and climate change while expanding access to life-saving tools such as next-generation nets, vaccines, and chemoprevention.
“Malaria elimination is within reach if we strengthen primary healthcare, increase domestic investments, and promote local innovation,” he said, praising Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and Prof. Gana for their leadership.
The 2025 World Malaria Day celebration underscored a collective call to action, urging political leaders, communities, and health workers to unite in creating a malaria-free Nigeria. With sustained commitment and innovative strategies, stakeholders aim to build a healthier, more equitable future.
