Kwara distributes two million mosquito nets to tackle Malaria

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The Kwara State Government has announced the distribution of two million Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets to households across all 16 Local Government Areas as part of intensified efforts to reduce malaria transmission in the state.

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According to a statement issued on Monday by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Saad Hamdalat, the initiative was announced in Ilorin during the 2026 World Malaria Day commemoration.

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The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, said the intervention is part of a broader strategy to protect vulnerable groups and sustain gains recorded in malaria control over the years.

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“This distribution of two million insecticide-treated nets is a major step in ensuring that every household has access to effective protection against malaria,” she said.

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She explained that the campaign is not a one-off intervention but part of a continuous public health strategy aimed at reducing malaria-related deaths and infections across communities.

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Dr. El-Imam noted that the programme aligns with this year’s global theme for World Malaria Day.

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“Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must,” she stated, adding that the message reflects urgency and shared responsibility in eliminating malaria.

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She also disclosed that the state will commence annual Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention distribution by June 2026, targeting children aged three to 59 months during the rainy season.

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“We are expanding preventive interventions, especially for children who remain the most vulnerable during the peak transmission period,” she said.

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The commissioner reaffirmed that malaria treatment remains free in designated public health facilities across the state, including access to Rapid Diagnostic Test kits, Artemether-Lumefantrine, and Intravenous Artesunate.

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“No resident should lose their life because they cannot afford malaria treatment. That is why testing and treatment remain free in our public health facilities,” she added.

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Dr. El-Imam described malaria as a persistent development challenge, stressing that its burden remains highest in Africa and Nigeria in particular.

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“Malaria continues to place a huge burden on our health system and economy. In 2024 alone, the world recorded 282 million cases and over 610,000 deaths,” she said.

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“Nigeria alone accounts for about 24.3 per cent of global malaria cases and 30.3 per cent of deaths. This is a reality we must confront with stronger commitment,” she stated.

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Despite the figures, she expressed optimism that progress is being made through sustained interventions.

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“We are seeing encouraging results. Malaria prevalence in Nigeria has reduced significantly over the years, and with continued effort, we can push these numbers even lower,” she said.

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The Commissioner also highlighted Kwara State’s progress, including the distribution of preventive drugs for pregnant women across more than 350 public health facilities.

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“Protecting pregnant women is critical because malaria during pregnancy endangers both mother and child. That is why we have expanded preventive coverage across our facilities,” she said.

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Representing the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohammed Janabi, WHO Kwara representative Dr. Emmanuel Eyitayo said malaria remains one of the deadliest diseases affecting African children.

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“Malaria still claims hundreds of thousands of lives every year, especially among children under five. This is unacceptable when solutions already exist,” he said.

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He noted that global innovations are improving the fight against the disease.

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“We are now seeing the introduction of malaria vaccines in about 25 countries, protecting nearly 10 million children annually,” he added.

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“Next-generation mosquito nets and digital surveillance systems are changing how we prevent and respond to malaria outbreaks,” he said, while noting that funding gaps remain a challenge.

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Earlier, the Head of Malaria Case Management in Kwara State, Dr. Kazeem Oladapo, said the state has recorded steady progress through collaboration with international partners.

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“We have made significant progress in scaling up malaria interventions, but the disease is still responsible for about 20 to 30 per cent of hospital admissions”.

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“Malaria is not a mysterious disease. It is preventable, it is treatable, and with consistent effort, it is eliminable,” he stated.

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