A revolutionary shift has begun in Lagos as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu launches Nigeria’s first digital malaria pre-elimination programme, a bold initiative designed to transform the fight against malaria through technology and innovation. Supported by the World Bank, the World Health Organization, Maisha Meds, and other global health partners, this programme marks a significant step forward in reducing malaria cases, improving diagnostic accuracy, enhancing case management, and linking patients to social health insurance schemes. It is a strategic move to transition from conventional malaria control methods to a more data-driven and efficient system that ensures real-time tracking of malaria cases, making Lagos the first sub-national entity in Nigeria to implement such a groundbreaking approach.
For decades, malaria has remained one of the biggest public health challenges in Nigeria, draining the economy, overburdening healthcare facilities, and claiming thousands of lives every year. Nigeria alone accounts for 27 percent of global malaria cases, with an estimated 200,000 deaths annually. Despite Lagos having the lowest malaria burden in the country, it still records about 900,000 cases each year, highlighting the need for a more aggressive and technology-driven response. The new digital malaria pre-elimination programme is expected to significantly cut down this number and move the state closer to eliminating the disease.
The governor, while unveiling the programme, emphasized that malaria is not just a health crisis but also an economic burden that robs families of financial stability and reduces overall productivity. He explained that for many households, especially those with modest incomes, malaria treatment consumes up to three percent of their monthly earnings, forcing them to make difficult choices between healthcare, food, and education. The economic impact extends beyond individual families, affecting businesses through increased absenteeism, lowering school attendance rates, and putting an additional strain on the already stretched healthcare system. He noted that malaria is more than a disease; it is a socio-economic challenge that has continued to hold back individuals, families, and communities. He stressed that eliminating malaria would not only improve public health but also boost economic growth by increasing productivity, reducing financial strain on families, and enhancing educational outcomes for children who often miss school due to malaria-related illnesses.
The launch of this digital malaria tracking system signals a major step forward in how Lagos is tackling the disease. By leveraging digital tools, malaria cases can now be tracked in real time, ensuring timely intervention and better resource allocation. This new approach is expected to reduce unnecessary treatment of non-malarial fevers, improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery, and provide critical data that will drive more effective decision-making at both the state and federal levels. The success of the initiative, according to the governor, will help Lagos reclaim billions of naira lost annually to the disease and establish a model that other states in Nigeria can replicate in their fight against malaria.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiak Salako, commended Lagos for leading in malaria control, describing the state’s strategy as the most comprehensive in Nigeria. He reassured stakeholders that the federal government remains committed to supporting sub-national efforts aimed at reversing the trend of malaria in the country. He also addressed concerns about changes in global health funding, particularly the recent adjustments made by the United States government regarding funding for global health initiatives. He noted that despite these changes, the progress recorded in Nigeria’s malaria response would not be negatively affected.
Lagos Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, provided insights into the state’s achievements in malaria control over the past decade. He highlighted that through rigorous programmatic work, Lagos had successfully reduced its malaria prevalence from 15 percent in 2010 to 10 percent in 2015, and now to just 2.6 percent in 2025. He explained that while this is a significant milestone, malaria remains a major public health concern, with around 50 percent of outpatient visits in public health facilities being linked to febrile illnesses presumed to be malaria. He emphasized that Lagos cannot afford to be complacent, as the state still records close to a million cases annually. This, he said, underscores the importance of implementing an innovative, data-driven approach that ensures continued progress toward total malaria elimination.
Professor Abayomi elaborated on the strategies being deployed by the state government to push for malaria pre-elimination. He stated that with strong political will, a well-structured human resource strategy, improved health financing through social health insurance schemes, and digital intervention mechanisms, Lagos has the potential to achieve a malaria-free status. He also highlighted the role of private-sector partnerships and donor agencies in providing additional support that will drive sustainability in malaria control efforts.
As Lagos takes this pioneering step, the question remains whether other states in Nigeria will follow suit in adopting similar technology-driven strategies to combat malaria. The state’s bold move in launching the digital malaria pre-elimination programme sets a precedent for what is possible when innovation, collaboration, and political will come together to tackle one of the most persistent public health challenges in Africa. With continued effort and stakeholder engagement, Lagos could soon become a leading example of malaria eradication not just in Nigeria but across the continent.
Stay informed with the latest news from Nigeria and beyond. Join us on WhatsApp or Telegram for real-time updates. Have a report or article? Send it to report@trendingnaijanews.com. Follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook for more updates.