Yenagoa, Four months ago, town criers and media in Bayelsa Declare, notified caregivers of the originate of the malaria vaccination advertising campaign for youths under 5-11 months.
The Ministry of Health’s message thru the Nigeria Predominant Health Care Centre, World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and companions used to be clear: households with eligible children must serene take their younger ones to effectively being centres to bevaccinated against the deadly illness, malaria.
Sherifat Omoniyi, a mother of two, used to be overjoyed that indubitably one of her children used to be eligible. She shared, “After I heard the news, I took my 9-month-ancient son to the sanatorium for the vaccine. Since he obtained it, he hasn’t been sick. “
Mrs Omoniyi explained that despite her child receiving the vaccine, she ensures that her household still takes precautionary measures to keep malaria at bay because, during the campaign, the informants reiterated that even with the vaccine, the entire household still needs to ensure the use of other preventive measures to keep malaria at bay.
She said, “We still sleep under the insecticide-treated nets, and ensure we don’t leave our water storage places open. This has significantly reduced the frequency at which my household comes down with fever. We now spend less on malaria treatment”
A matter of urgency
Nigeria still faces a concerning malaria burden. Statistics from the 2024 World Malaria Report (WMR) reveal that the country accounts for 27% of the global malaria burden, with 31% of global malaria deaths.
The WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030 sets a vision for a malaria-free world by 2030, with specific targets for reducing malaria incidence and mortality and eliminating the disease in at least 35 countries.
The Nigerian government has implemented various strategies such promotion of ongoing use of insecticide-treated nets, seasonal malaria chemoprevention therapy for children under five, preventive care for pregnant women, indoor residual spraying, effective case management, and improved sanitation to reduce mosquito breeding sites in the communities.
Recently, the country commenced a phased rollout of the WHO-recommended (R21) malaria vaccine, targeting children in areas with the highest malaria burden—Bayelsa and Kebbi—to accelerate efforts to reduce malaria among children. More than 140,000 doses have been administered to eligible children from one million doses received from the Nigerian Government and Gavi.
Collective action
Recently, during the commemoration of 2025 World Malaria Day, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, addressed journalists and malaria stakeholders, stating that eliminating malaria is a top government priority, strongly supported by President Tinubu.
Dr Salako appreciated health workers and partners and stressed that achieving a malaria-free Nigeria requires ongoing, united action including tailored actions such as treated nets, preventative medicines for children, larval management, and a phased rollout of the malaria vaccine.
“The government ensures consistent malaria treatment, addresses funding challenges, enhances health systems with improved data, collaborates with the private sector for resources, and encourages preventative measures,” he added.
The minister further encouraged all stakeholders to stay committed to fighting malaria, noting that it requires multisectoral, multi-ministerial, inter-organisational, and community effort.
Pathway to success
With the innovative strategies adopted, the country is on the pathway to eradicating malaria by 2030, said Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative in Nigeria.
Dr Mulombo noted that the 20225 World Malaria Day, observed under the theme “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite”, is a rallying revitalised efforts at all levels, from global policy to community action, to renew commitment, rethink strategies and accelerate progress towards malaria elimination.
“This year’s theme reminds us that everyone has a role to play. Reducing malaria by 90% by 2030 could boost the country’s GDP.
However, we are at a crossroads. Climate change, humanitarian crises, resistance to drugs and insecticides, and funding gaps are challenging our gains. But malaria elimination is within reach with strong leadership, innovation, and sustained investment,” he said.
