World Malaria Day: Kano reiterates commitment to eliminate malaria

The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating malaria, joining the global community in marking the 2025 World Malaria Day celebration on Thursday at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry of Health, Nabilusi Abubakar K/Na’isa, on Friday, highlighting the state’s ongoing interventions and achievements in the fight against malaria.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, emphasised the state’s ongoing strides towards malaria elimination under the theme “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.”

Dr. Yusuf cited global efforts that have prevented over 2.2 billion malaria cases and 12.7 million deaths between 2000 and 2023, with Africa accounting for the largest burden.

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He noted that in Kano alone, malaria contributed to 60% of hospital consultations in 2024, resulting in more than 4.1 million visits. He added that 99.5% of the cases were successfully treated using Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs).

He highlighted several strategic interventions being implemented under the leadership of Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, including the continuous supply of anti-malarial drugs to 1,565 health facilities through “Last Mile Delivery” systems, training of healthcare workers, and community case management revived across 19 local government areas.

Dr. Yusuf also disclosed that more than 3.5 million doses of malaria preventive drugs (SPAQ) were administered to under-five children, while over 7.7 million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) were distributed, aimed at preventing over 75% of malaria cases in the state.

He said 10% of the Kano Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) has been dedicated to malaria control initiatives, contributing to a reduction in malaria prevalence from 32.4% in 2015 to 26% in 2021, according to the Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey.

The Health Commissioner called on residents to maintain environmental hygiene by eliminating stagnant water and clearing blocked drainage to prevent mosquito breeding.

He expressed gratitude to development partners such as WHO, UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, Society for Family Health, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, among others, for their continued support. He also recognized the role of media organizations in advocating for malaria elimination.

Dr. Yusuf concluded by urging all stakeholders—government, private sector, civil society, and communities—to remain committed to the vision of a malaria-free Kano State.