Posted on: Thu 06-03-2025

The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to eradicate malaria through digital innovations, enhanced case management, and stronger public-private partnerships.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who spoke during the launch of the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitisation Programme in Lagos, called for widespread adherence to diagnostic testing before administering malaria treatment.

Sanwo-Olu stressed that accurate diagnosis is crucial to eradicating the disease and improving public health outcomes, as well as emphasised the need for accurate diagnosis before treatment.

He warned against self-diagnosis and the assumption that all fevers are malaria-related; stressing that early and accurate testing would ensure proper treatment and reduce unnecessary medication use.

He, highlighted the socioeconomic burden malaria places on Lagosians, stating that the disease affects productivity, drains household incomes, and disrupts education, especially among low-income earners.

He noted that eradicating malaria is not just a health priority but an economic necessity that could significantly boost Lagos’ economy. He further emphasised that the integration of digital tools into malaria control efforts would enhance real-time tracking of cases and improve intervention efficiency.

The governor urged collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare providers, and community leaders, to sustain the fight against malaria. He commended the Lagos State Ministry of Health and its partners for their transparent data-driven approach to malaria elimination and encouraged residents to actively participate in preventive measures such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites and embracing early testing.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, noted that Lagos has consistently recorded Nigeria’s lowest malaria prevalence, citing a 2021 survey that placed the state’s malaria prevalence at two per cent.

He expressed confidence that with continuous efforts, Lagos could achieve malaria pre-elimination status and serve as a model for the rest of the country.

Salako reiterated the importance of public-private partnerships in malaria control, highlighting that 50 to 60 per cent of Nigerians seek treatment in private healthcare facilities.

He stressed that the initiative’s emphasis on improving diagnostic accuracy and digital reporting would enhance case management and treatment efficiency.

He also assured that global health funding changes would not negatively impact Nigeria’s malaria elimination programmes, as the Federal Government remains committed to sustaining public health funding.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, provided insights into the progress made in malaria control. He explained that Lagos’ malaria prevalence of 2.6 per cent places it in the low transmission category and credited this achievement to sustained interventions and digital health innovations. He emphasised the need for continued efforts in early diagnosis, effective treatment, and vector control measures such as indoor residual spraying.

Abayomi highlighted the transition towards a ‘test, treat, and track’ approach, moving away from presumptive malaria treatment. He stated that digital integration in healthcare services would improve diagnostic accuracy, prevent drug resistance, and ensure the efficient use of anti-malarial drugs.

The commissioner revealed that community pharmacies, patent medicine vendors, and private hospitals would be integrated into the state’s malaria control network, working alongside the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) to standardise treatment protocols across all healthcare providers.

He noted that the initiative would also be incorporated into the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme to improve access to affordable malaria diagnosis and treatment.

Abayomi stressed that testing before treatment would now be mandatory under the new programme. He pointed out that many Lagosians receive anti-malarial treatment without proper testing, leading to misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and increasing cases of drug resistance.

He added that the programme aims to ensure that only confirmed malaria cases receive anti-malarial treatment, thereby reducing the misuse of anti-malarial, antibiotics and other medications.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, Dr Kazadi Mulombo, commended Lagos State for its leadership in malaria control. He remarked that Lagos serves as a model for urban malaria elimination and emphasised the importance of evidence-based interventions and government commitment.

He reiterated WHO’s support for the initiative and highlighted the need for continued community engagement in malaria prevention.

World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr Ndiame Diop, also praised Lagos State’s malaria control efforts. He stressed the economic impact of malaria, noting that it contributes to high mortality rates among children and significant outpatient visits.

Diop called for increased investment in public-private partnerships to bridge healthcare access gaps and reduce the financial burden of malaria treatment on households.

SOURCE: GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER

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