Health officials raise alarm over 978,000 malaria cases in Lagos

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Lagos State Health District V has revealed that over 978,000 malaria cases were treated across public and private health facilities in 2025, underscoring the persistent burden of the disease in the state.

The Permanent Secretary of the District, Dr. Oladapo Asiyanbi, disclosed this during the 2026 World Malaria Day commemoration held at the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Secretariat on April 29, 2026.

He emphasised the need for residents to adopt proper health-seeking behaviour, cautioning against self-medication and urging strict compliance with prescribed malaria treatments as part of efforts to eliminate the disease.

Asiyanbi also outlined key malaria control strategies for stakeholders, highlighting the state’s core intervention pillars of Prevention, Testing, Treatment, and Tracking.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to offering free malaria diagnosis and treatment in public health facilities, alongside ensuring the availability of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), rapid diagnostic test kits (mRDTs), and Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs).

The event, organised in line with this year’s global theme, “Malaria is Preventable and Treatable: Together, We Can Eliminate It,” featured advocacy and community engagement initiatives aimed at strengthening malaria elimination efforts in Lagos. Stakeholders, including representatives from the private health sector, were present.

A key highlight of the programme was a technical presentation by the State Malaria Elimination Programme Manager, Dr. Abimbola Oshinowo, who detailed policies, progress, and strategies guiding malaria control in the state.

She noted that malaria remains a significant public health challenge, particularly among children under five, contributing heavily to illness and mortality.

“Over 978,000 Malaria cases were treated across public and private health facilities in Lagos State in 2025, underscoring the need for sustained intervention and increased community participation,” she said.

The programme also featured a panel discussion themed: “Barriers to Test and Treat Adherence,” where experts analysed challenges affecting effective malaria management.

Panellists, including Dr. Abiodun Oshunsanya of Harvey Medical Centre, Ajeromi; Dr. Shosanya Abidemi, Medical Officer of Health, Ojo Local Government; Dr. Oshinowo; and community representative, Hon. Bashiru Ajayi, identified poor adherence to diagnostic outcomes, over-reliance on clinical diagnosis, self-medication, and low community awareness as major concerns.

They called for intensified health education, stronger community involvement, and improved trust in diagnostic tools to enhance treatment outcomes.

The event also emphasised the importance of environmental sanitation, proper waste disposal, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites as key preventive measures.

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