By SN24.com 
By Peter Akpah.
The Plateau State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme and Malaria Consortium, has engaged media practitioners and stakeholders ahead of the 2026 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention, SMC, campaign to strengthen public awareness and community participation.
The media parley, held at the Crispan Event Centre in Jos, brought together health professionals, development partners and journalists to strategise on the effective rollout of the intervention aimed at protecting children under five from malaria.
*Major Progress Recorded in Malaria Control*
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, described the media as a critical partner in malaria elimination, noting that sustained public enlightenment is key to the success of the campaign.
He said Plateau has recorded significant progress, with malaria prevalence dropping from 18.8 per cent in 2021 to 2.8 per cent in 2025.
“The prevalence rate has dropped from 18.8 per cent in 2021 to 2.8 per cent in 2025, representing about an 87 per cent reduction. It shows that malaria elimination is possible, and with sustained support for the SMC programme, we can achieve zero malaria,” he said.
*2026 SMC to Reach Over 1 Million Children*
Project Manager of the IMPACT Project, Mrs. Ndak Andarawus, disclosed that the 2026 SMC campaign will target 1,007,652 eligible children across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.
She said over 11,500 health workers, supervisors, volunteer drug distributors and community leaders have been mobilised. Trained volunteers will administer preventive malaria drugs through house-to-house visits, supported by digital monitoring systems to ensure full coverage.
Andarawus attributed the drop in prevalence to strong government commitment, effective partnerships and active community participation.
*WHO-Backed Intervention*
Project Manager, Malaria Consortium, Dr. Mbwas Mashor, explained that SMC is a World Health Organisation, WHO, recommended strategy that provides safe and effective preventive malaria medicines to children aged 3 to 59 months during peak transmission season.
> “We want the media to strengthen public awareness, promote accurate information and support community acceptance of the SMC campaign so that every eligible child is protected,” Mashor said.
*Stakeholders Pledge Support, Emphasize Safeguarding*
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, described the engagement as timely and urged journalists to sustain accurate reporting to boost community participation.
SBCC Consultant, Mr. Kaskida Yilyok, said the media has a vital role in shaping public perception, combating misinformation and encouraging caregivers to ensure eligible children receive the drugs.
Programme Officer, Miss Kachollom Gyang, said safeguarding is a key component of the programme. She noted that staff and volunteers undergo regular training and that the programme operates a zero-tolerance policy against abuse and exploitation. She urged the public to report any concerns.
The Plateau State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Yilji Kumtap, and Pharm. Godwin Nimyel, representing the Pharmacy Society of Nigeria, commended the Ministry and partners for the progress and pledged continued support.
Dr. Molsat Emmanuel Sydney, representing the Plateau State Primary Health Care Board, also lauded the efforts and assured of the board’s support for grassroots implementation.
The SMC campaign is expected to commence in the coming weeks as part of Plateau’s drive toward malaria elimination.
