The Borno State Government has renewed its call for stronger collaboration among health stakeholders to combat malaria, with a focus on protecting children under five from malaria-related deaths. The appeal was made by the Borno State Commissioner for Health, Professor Baba Mallamgana, during a press briefing to commemorate the 2025 World Malaria Day.
Speaking on the theme “Malaria Ends With Us: Re-invest, Re-imagine, and Re-ignite”, Prof. Mallamgana highlighted significant progress in malaria control within Borno State, attributing the success to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and partnerships with international health organizations.
According to the National Malaria Indicator Survey, malaria prevalence in Nigeria has steadily declined over recent years — with Borno State recording one of the most notable improvements. Prof. Mallamgana credited this to free malaria services now offered in over 300 health facilities across the state, made possible through collaboration with non-governmental organizations.
As part of its malaria control strategy, the Borno State Government has procured over two million doses of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) and Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits. Additionally, over one million shelters have benefited from indoor residual spraying, while more than 150,000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets have been distributed to pregnant women and young children.
The government’s seasonal malaria chemoprevention campaign has also reached over two million children under five, a key demographic vulnerable to the disease.
Prof. Mallamgana expressed appreciation for the continued support from partners, noting that sustained collaboration is vital to achieving the state’s malaria elimination targets.
In a goodwill message, the World Health Organization (WHO) State Coordinator for Borno, Dr. Ibrahim Salisu, urged the government to further strengthen primary healthcare services, increase domestic health investments, and expand access to malaria prevention tools — including bed nets, chemoprevention, and vaccines.
Dr. Salisu emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making, local health innovations, and multi-sectoral collaboration in tackling the root causes of malaria in the state.
As World Malaria Day is marked globally, Borno State’s achievements in malaria control stand as a testament to the impact of sustained investment, government commitment, and effective partnerships in public health.
