Lagos State Will Not Rest Until Malaria Is Eradicated – Governor Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State Government has once again reaffirmed its strong determination to eliminate malaria, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pledging that the fight against the disease will continue until it is completely eradicated.

Speaking during the Mid-Term Review of the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination in Lagos State, held at Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, the governor emphasized that malaria will no longer have a place in Lagos if the current progress is sustained.

The review meeting brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including national policymakers, international development partners, and private sector leaders. The aim was to assess the progress made through the Impact Project and the digital malaria monitoring system introduced earlier in March.

Lagos’ Progress in Malaria Reduction

Governor Sanwo-Olu revealed that malaria prevalence in Lagos has been reduced to approximately one percent, which he described as a remarkable milestone proving that the state is firmly on track towards total elimination.

“When we initiated this journey in March, our vision was simple yet ambitious — to shift Lagos from being a malaria-burdened state to one on the brink of elimination. The most recent data now shows that we are much closer to achieving this goal. Lagos will not rest until malaria becomes history, not only for us but as a model for Nigeria and the rest of Africa,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

The Role of Digital Surveillance

The governor also highlighted the significance of the newly launched digital malaria surveillance platform. This system effectively connects public hospitals, private clinics, pharmacies, and patent medicine vendors, allowing real-time monitoring and reporting of malaria cases across Lagos.

“For the first time, we have a technology-driven system that makes malaria truly visible throughout the state. Every Lagos resident must have access to rapid diagnostic testing and effective treatment immediately when needed. No single case should be ignored or left untreated,” he emphasized.

Community Responsibility in Malaria Prevention

Sanwo-Olu called on Lagos residents to take responsibility by playing their part in the fight against malaria. He encouraged them to:

• Destroy mosquito breeding grounds around homes and communities.
• Always get tested before taking any malaria medication.
• Make use of the official healthcare system for proper treatment and reporting.

By combining government efforts with community participation, the governor expressed optimism that Lagos will serve as a shining example in the global drive to eliminate malaria.