By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Malaria has been described as one of the leading public health threats facing the global community, particularly in Nigeria.

As a result, every nation across the world must tackle this challenge with the seriousness it deserves.

The Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Public Health, Dr. Adekunle Akindele, made this observation during the celebration of World Malaria Day in Osun State.

He stated that malaria remains one of the highest burdens Nigeria faces today, with over 27% of global malaria cases, placing more than 97% of the population at risk of contracting the disease annually.

“Malaria still accounts for about 60% of outpatient visits in health facilities across Nigeria — a stark indicator of its impact on both lives and the healthcare system,” he said.

“The Federal Government, in alignment with global targets, has committed to reducing malaria parasite prevalence to below 10% and lowering malaria-related mortality to fewer than 50 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2025.”

Dr. Akindele continued, “In Osun State, we are proud to report significant progress. According to the Malaria Indicator Survey, parasite prevalence dropped from 27.7% in 2018 to 19.4% in 2021. More recently, confirmed malaria cases in Osun State fell from 75.3% to 52.7% between March 2024 and March 2025. These gains are not coincidental — they are the result of sustained investments, strategic interventions, and the unwavering leadership of His Excellency, Governor Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke.”

He emphasised, “At the heart of these successes is the commitment of His Excellency, the Governor, who has continued to prioritise the health of Osun residents. Under his leadership, the State Malaria Elimination Programme has achieved the following:

“I have distributed over 3.5 million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) across households and ensured routine ITN distribution to pregnant women at antenatal booking.

“I have also ensured routine ITN distribution to fully immunised children and provided prompt diagnostic testing and free treatment at all 556 government-supported health facilities. Additionally, we have supplied quality-assured antimalarial medicines, made available through a fruitful partnership between the State Government and the Global Fund.”

Dr. Akindele disclosed that for three consecutive years, Osun State has retained the Number One position among Global Fund-supported states in the management of malaria drugs — a testament to the robust systems, accountability, and dedication of our healthcare workers.

“This year’s theme, ‘Malaria Ends With Us: REINVEST, REIMAGINE, REIGNITE,’ is both a challenge and a charge. It urges us to reinvest in proven strategies, reimagine new solutions, and reignite the political and community commitment needed to finally end malaria.

“World Malaria Day is more than a date on the calendar — it is a call to action. It serves as a reminder that every person, regardless of their background, deserves access to affordable, quality malaria prevention and care. It highlights the need to reach marginalised populations, scale up innovations, and invest in new tools, such as improved diagnostics, modern vector control techniques, and research into more effective treatments.

“This day also provides a platform to celebrate successes, share best practices, and renew partnerships. Collaboration among governments, donors, international agencies, and civil society is critical to achieving the WHO Global Malaria Strategy targets by 2030.”

Dr. Akindele concluded, “Let me reaffirm Osun State’s unwavering commitment to malaria elimination. We will continue to invest in people, systems, and solutions. But this fight cannot be won by government alone.

“We need communities, corporate organisations, and individuals to play their part by: sleeping inside mosquito nets every night, eliminating stagnant water, keeping our environments clean, and getting tested before taking any antimalarial drugs.

“Together, let us reinvest in health, reimagine a malaria-free future, and reignite the spirit of collective responsibility.”