By Chioma Obinna

LAGOS — THE Lagos State government, yesterday, urged its residents to reject malaria treatment without testing.

It also promised to launch the ‘Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitisation Programme’, an impact project designed to improve child survival and human capital development.

Addressing a press conference, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi said the programme presents an opportunity to further drive down the state’s malaria prevalence from 3 to less than 1 per cent.

He also said the 900,000 cases annually still place a substantial burden on the state’s healthcare system.

Abayomi said: “This programme presents a unique opportunity to drive our prevalence to less than 1 per cent, achieving malaria pre-elimination and setting a precedent for the rest of Nigeria.

“Lagos State, which currently has an under-five mortality rate of 59 per 1,000 births, is targeting a 25 per cent reduction in this figure. The launch of the malaria pre-elimination initiative is central to achieving this goal.

“Malaria continues to be a major public health issue in Lagos, despite the state’s relatively low prevalence compared to other parts of Nigeria. The state sees an average of 900,000 malaria cases annually, with febrile illnesses presumed to be malaria still accounting for over 50 per cent of outpatient visits at public health facilities.”

Noting that the World Health Organisation, WHO, classifies Lagos as a “low transmission” area, he said malaria remains a burden on the state’s healthcare resources and its most vulnerable populations, including children under five and pregnant women.

He further explained that the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Programme is a multi-faceted initiative designed to accelerate malaria control in Lagos through the integration of digital health technologies, improved diagnostics, and robust public-private partnerships.

Abayomi urged Lagosians to reject malaria treatment without medical tests.

He explained that the programme will be rolled out under the IMPACT project, with several key strategies:

The Commissioner said: “The programme will implement extensive public education campaigns to promote malaria prevention and early treatment, including advocating for the use of insecticide-treated nets and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.

“The initiative includes a major push for accurate malaria diagnosis through enhanced testing protocols and reducing misdiagnoses, which currently result in over-treatment and unnecessary antibiotic use.

“The programme will actively integrate Lagos residents into health insurance schemes, making malaria treatment more accessible and affordable.

“We urge all stakeholders to support this bold initiative. Together, we can drive malaria to zero in Lagos State and create a healthier future for generations to come.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/lagos-govt-to-residents-reject-malaria-treatment-without-testing/