The Zamfara State Government has announced a major milestone in its fight against malaria, revealing that more than 1.5 million children under the age of five have received Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) treatment in 2024.
The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Mohammed Maradun, during a press briefing held in Gusau to commemorate 2024 World Malaria Day.
Malaria Prevention Efforts Gain Momentum in Zamfara
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Malam Bashir Surajo Gusau, Dr. Maradun said the initiative is part of an ongoing strategy to ensure that every household in Zamfara State has access to effective malaria prevention and treatment.
She also disclosed that between 2023 and 2024, with support from the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), the state government successfully distributed 3.2 million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to residents.
> “The aim is to raise awareness about malaria’s devastating impact globally and to intensify efforts to ensure universal access to affordable, effective malaria interventions,” she said.
Partnerships Driving Malaria Control Progress
Dr. Maradun emphasized that strategic partnerships with international health organizations and community leaders have been critical in reducing malaria cases across Zamfara.
She specifically commended the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), International Rescue Committee (IRC), and the Nigerian Red Cross for their consistent support in disease surveillance, procurement of malaria commodities, healthcare worker training, and public awareness campaigns.
Malaria Still a Major Health Challenge
While acknowledging significant progress over the past 18 years, Dr. Maradun noted that malaria remains one of the leading causes of outpatient visits in Zamfara’s health facilities. She called for continued government investment and community support to sustain and accelerate malaria elimination efforts.
The Commissioner also praised Governor Dauda Lawal for prioritizing healthcare under his “Rescue Mission”s agenda, including declaring a state of emergency in the health sector and strengthening the state’s malaria response.
World Malaria Day 2024: A Call to Action
This year’s World Malaria Day, observed under the theme “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite”, with the slogan “Stay Committed”, provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to ending malaria in Zamfara and across Nigeria.
Dr. Maradun concluded by urging citizens to support the Zamfara State Ministry of Health and the State Malaria Elimination Program in implementing new initiatives to combat malaria and protect vulnerable populations.
