Sanwo-Olu Leads Malaria Eradication Efforts In Lagos With Digital Innovations

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for unified efforts to combat malaria, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among government agencies, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and citizens. Speaking at the launch of the ‘Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitisation Programme,’ he reiterated the need for persistent action to achieve a malaria-free Lagos.

Digital Innovation in Malaria Eradication

The newly launched initiative aims to revolutionize malaria control through digital advancements and public-private partnerships. With the presence of Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, the program sets a roadmap to eliminate malaria using technology-driven interventions.

Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the severe economic and social consequences of malaria, stressing its impact on productivity, household incomes, and education. He emphasized that malaria eradication is not just a health priority but a crucial step in boosting Lagos State’s economy.

Call for Accurate Diagnosis and Public Awareness

Governor Sanwo-Olu urged residents to embrace a “test-before-treatment” approach, cautioning against self-diagnosis and improper malaria treatment. He commended the integration of digital tools in the program, which will facilitate real-time tracking of malaria cases, ensuring efficient interventions.

Additionally, he praised the Lagos State Ministry of Health for its transparency and data-driven strategies aimed at achieving the 2025 malaria elimination target. He also encouraged Lagosians to become advocates, spreading awareness about malaria prevention and the significance of accurate diagnosis.

Minister of Health Applauds Lagos’ Leadership in Malaria Control

Dr. Iziaq Salako lauded Lagos State for its proactive measures in malaria management, aligning with the Federal Ministry of Health’s ‘Rethinking Malaria’ initiative. He noted that Lagos boasts the lowest malaria prevalence in Nigeria, with a 2% infection rate as per the 2021 survey. The minister emphasized the importance of integrating digital health solutions to enhance malaria case management and improve treatment accuracy.

He also underscored the private sector’s role in healthcare, noting that over half of Nigerians initially seek treatment from private health facilities. Strengthening public-private partnerships, he argued, is essential to improve diagnostic accuracy and ensure effective malaria treatment.

Commissioner for Health Highlights Strategic Interventions

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, detailed the progress made in malaria control, attributing the success to strategic interventions and digital health tracking. He highlighted that while Nigeria accounts for 27% of global malaria cases, Lagos has reduced its prevalence to 2.6%, moving towards the malaria pre-elimination phase.

He further stressed the importance of sustained efforts in early diagnosis, vector control, and public education. By integrating digital tools into healthcare services, Lagos can ensure accurate diagnosis, prevent drug resistance, and optimize malaria treatment outcomes.

WHO and World Bank Endorse Lagos’ Malaria Fight

Dr. Kazadi Walter Mulombo, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, commended Lagos’ leadership in urban malaria control, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based interventions. He acknowledged that Nigeria accounts for 31% of global malaria-related deaths, making malaria elimination a national priority.

Similarly, Dr. Ndiame Diop, Country Director for the World Bank in Nigeria, highlighted the economic burden of malaria. He noted that 30% of under-five deaths and 60% of outpatient visits in Nigeria are linked to malaria. He stressed the need for increased funding and community-led initiatives to reduce out-of-pocket malaria treatment costs, which currently stand at 95%.

Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships for Malaria Eradication

Dr. Omokhudu Idogho, Managing Director of the Society for Family Health (SFH), emphasized the significance of leveraging digital technology for malaria surveillance. He praised Lagos State for integrating real-time data collection, which will enhance intervention strategies and improve healthcare responses.

With collaborative efforts from the government, international organizations, and private entities, Lagos is on track to becoming Nigeria’s first malaria pre-elimination state. This milestone signals a significant step towards achieving national and global malaria eradication goals.