Malaria has been a major health issue in Nigeria for years, with the country accounting for about 25% of the world’s malaria cases. Even though it is a preventable and treatable disease, malaria still takes hundreds of thousands of lives every year. In Nigeria alone, over 200,000 people die from malaria-related complications annually. In Edo State, the malaria prevalence rate is about 30%, meaning nearly one in three people battle this disease. With numbers like these, it is clear that serious action is needed to curb its spread and impact.
Recognizing this urgent need, Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF), with support from the Edo State Government, National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) and the Islamic Development Bank, has launched the Support to Malaria Elimination Project. This project goes beyond just reducing malaria cases; it is a targeted effort to save lives, protect families, and secure a healthier future for Edo State. The official flag off on February 5, 2025, marks a significant achievement in the fight against malaria, bringing together government leaders, health experts, and international partners to implement sustainable solutions for malaria elimination.
The Support to Malaria Elimination Project is designed to tackle malaria from multiple angles. Prevention is a key priority, as stopping mosquitoes from spreading the disease will significantly reduce infection rates. Through widespread distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, communities will be better protected from mosquito bites. Treatment is another crucial aspect, ensuring that anyone infected with malaria has access to prompt and effective medical care. To achieve this, malaria testing and treatment will be provided free of charge at all government health facilities, removing financial barriers to life-saving care. Education is equally essential, as raising awareness about malaria prevention and early treatment can empower communities to take proactive measures against the disease.
The project aims to make a measurable impact in Edo State. One of its primary goals is to increase the percentage of pregnant women receiving malaria prevention treatment from the current 21% to at least 80%. This will help reduce malaria-related complications during pregnancy and improve maternal and child health outcomes. Additionally, malaria treatment coverage is expected to rise from 71% to 100%, ensuring that no malaria-positive patient goes untreated. Another key target is increasing the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, which currently stands at a low 15.4%. Through the distribution of 1.3 million nets, this figure is projected to reach 80%, significantly reducing the risk of mosquito bites.
While AYGF, in collaboration with NMEP and the Islamic Development Bank, is leading the charge against malaria, the success of this project also depends on community participation. Every individual has a role to play in malaria elimination, starting with simple actions such as sleeping under treated mosquito nets, maintaining a clean environment to prevent mosquito breeding, and seeking early treatment at health facilities. Raising awareness within households and communities will further strengthen the impact of the project, as knowledge and preventive habits are key to long-term malaria control.
Malaria elimination is a realistic goal that can be achieved through collaboration, commitment, and sustained effort. As the Executive Director of AYGF, Dr. Arome Salifu, emphasized during the project flag off, a malaria-free Edo State is within reach if all stakeholders work together. With AYGF leading this vital project, backed by the expertise of NMEP and the financial support of the Islamic Development Bank, Edo State is set to witness a transformation in public health. Through collective action, communities can look forward to a future where malaria is no longer a threat, and families can thrive in a healthier environment. The fight against malaria is one that requires everyone’s involvement, and together, this disease can be defeated.
