World Malaria Day: Ogun Reaffirms Drive Toward Zero Malaria Prevalence

Popoola Jamiu, Abeokuta

The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to eliminating malaria, joining the global community to mark World Malaria Day with renewed efforts to reduce prevalence in the state to zero.

Speaking during a sensitisation walk and medical outreach organised to commemorate the day, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Abayomi Bamiselu, said the state had recorded a significant decline in malaria cases in recent years.

He cited findings from the National Malaria Indicator Survey, which showed that malaria prevalence in Ogun dropped from 25 per cent in 2021 to 7.4 per cent in 2025. He attributed the progress to sustained interventions by the present administration.

Bamiselu explained that the survey, conducted every three years, is largely community-based and not limited to hospital data, ensuring the reliability of its findings. He added that the state remains focused on achieving zero prevalence in future assessments.

He further noted that malaria testing and treatment are offered free of charge in most government health facilities, while long-lasting insecticide-treated nets are distributed to pregnant women and nursing mothers, who are among the most vulnerable groups.

According to him, continuous public enlightenment remains central to the state’s malaria control strategy, urging residents to take advantage of the free testing services provided as part of the World Malaria Day activities.

In her remarks, the Programme Officer of the State Malaria Elimination Programme, Mrs. Olamide Adeyinka, said the outreach also included screening for other diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV, alongside general health sensitisation.

She advised residents to maintain clean surroundings by eliminating stagnant water around their homes, stressing that reducing mosquito breeding sites is key to curbing malaria transmission.

Some beneficiaries of the outreach, including Mrs. Joyce Fowosire and Mr. Ademola Oluga, commended the government for prioritising public health and called for the continuation of such initiatives.