Lagos may be moving from malaria control to the phase of total elimination, as recent data suggests a notable reduction in the disease across the State. The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, revealed that about 40,000 malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests (mRDTs) conducted by Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) and Community Pharmacies (CPs) showed a significantly low malaria positivity rate, signaling Lagos’ readiness to move beyond control to elimination.
Speaking at the mid-term review of the Pathway to Malaria Pre-elimination and Digitisation Programme, Prof. Abayomi said data from public health facilities also indicated sustained reductions in malaria positivity rates, highlighting the coherence of the State’s approach. The progress excited partners working with the government on the World Bank-supported IMPACT (Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services) project, prompting renewed collaboration to consolidate achievements.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his address, stated that the digitisation programme has established measurable goals for the State, aiming to reduce malaria prevalence to pre-elimination levels, specifically below one per cent. He stressed that the strategy focuses on improving diagnostics, ensuring consistent treatment, and mobilising communities to participate actively in prevention.
“The mid-term review is a crucial step in turning hope into results, shifting Lagos from a high malaria burden to pre-elimination, paving the way for a malaria-free future,” the Governor said. He emphasized that real-time reporting systems and digital platforms in public and private facilities would bridge previous gaps that delayed diagnosis, reporting, and response times.
Sanwo-Olu also highlighted that partnerships with innovative companies are enhancing diagnostic accuracy, standardising case management, and integrating private providers into the State surveillance system. This ensures resources are allocated efficiently and responses are timely.
The mid-term review examined three key areas: accessibility of digitised data, scale and quality of interventions, and community engagement. The Governor urged strict adherence to standardised treatment protocols while scaling interventions to ensure appropriate care at affordable rates. He further emphasized that community participation is essential to eliminating mosquito breeding sites and sustaining malaria control gains.
Prof. Abayomi added that the Ministry of Health, alongside the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), has intensified regulation and quality assurance to reduce disparities in service delivery and reinforce equity across public and private facilities.
“Together, we are consolidating gains and building irreversible momentum. With unity of purpose, Lagos is moving ever closer to a future free from the scourge of malaria,” Prof. Abayomi said.
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