The Federal Government and Lagos State Government have jointly declared zero tolerance for malaria, reaffirming their commitment to eradicating the disease and acknowledging the support of national and international partners.
The announcement was made during the mid-term review of the Impact Project and the Roadmap Towards Malaria Elimination in Lagos, held on Thursday.
Minister Commends Lagos Leadership
Speaking at the event, Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, praised Lagos State for its leadership and dedication in the fight against malaria.
He said, “I commend the Lagos State Government for pioneering this initiative and for its unwavering dedication to malaria control. This effort shows that with determination and innovation, we can overcome even the toughest challenges.”
Professor Pate also stressed the importance of national and international collaboration, noting that the Ministry of Health will continue to support Lagos through the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP).
He cited the successful integration of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) and community pharmacies into a structured, regulated, and digitized malaria service delivery system.
According to him, “The integration of digital technology has significantly improved data collection, analysis, and reporting, enabling better tracking of progress, identification of service gaps, and data-driven decision-making to strengthen malaria interventions.”
Also, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his keynote address, reaffirmed the state’s goal of transitioning from a high malaria burden to pre-elimination, ultimately aiming for a malaria-free Lagos.
The governor stressed the use of evidence, technology, and collaboration to drive results. He said, “This review is focused on accountability, scale, quality, and community ownership.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also said that combating malaria goes beyond clinical interventions, urging households and communities to take active roles in prevention.
“We must embed the message of prevention and testing into every aspect of life in Lagos,” he added, noting that the state’s strategy relies on strong communication, a network of community health workers, and partnerships with traditional leaders, market groups, and schools.
The governor called on citizens to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, seek prompt testing, and trust the health system.