Report by AMINU DALHATU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Zamfara State Government has announced that over 1.5 million children under the age of five have received Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) medication as part of efforts to curb the spread of malaria across the state in 2024.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Mohammed Maradun, disclosed this during a press briefing held in Gusau to commemorate the 2025 World Malaria Day.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Malam Bashir Surajo Gusau, said the initiative aim was to ensure that, every household in Zamfara has access to comprehensive malaria protection.
She revealed that with support from the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative, the state government distributed 3.2 million insecticide treated nets (ITNs) to residents between 2023 and 2024.
“The aim of this event is to raise awareness about malaria and its devastating impact globally.
According to her, World Malaria Day provided an opportunity for governments and international partners to intensify efforts toward ensuring access to affordable and effective malaria interventions for all.
Dr Nafisa Mohammed Maradun added that the Ministry of Health has established strategic partnerships with key stakeholders including the media, traditional and religious leaders, and donor agencies to significantly reduce Zamfara’s malaria burden.
Dr. Maradun commended the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), International Rescue Committee (IRC), and the Nigerian Red Cross for their continued support in areas such as disease surveillance, procurement and distribution of malaria commodities, data quality improvement, case management training, and social behavior change initiatives.
She emphasized that malaria remains one of the leading causes of outpatient visits in health facilities across the state.
However, she noted that sustained government investment and robust collaboration with partners have led to significant progress in the fight against malaria over the past 18 years.
The Commissioner urged citizens to continue supporting the State Ministry of Health and the State Malaria Elimination Program in implementing new initiatives aimed at strengthening the collective response to the disease.
She also praised Governor Dauda Lawal for his leadership under the “Rescue Mission” agenda, particularly for declaring a state of emergency in the health sector and prioritizing the fight against malaria.
Dr. Maradun further recognized the commitment of the Zamfara State Malaria Elimination Program and the selfless efforts of the ACSM core group in malaria advocacy and awareness.
This year’s World Malaria Day is themed “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite”, with the slogan “Stay Committed”.
