By SN24.com 
By.
Jos, Plateau State – The Plateau State Government, in collaboration with the Plateau State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) and development partners, on Saturday commemorated the 2026 World Malaria Day with a renewed call for sustained action to eliminate the disease across the state and Nigeria.
The event, held at Crystal Hall, Crispan Suites in Jos, was themed “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must,” with the slogan “Let’s Do It.” Activities commenced with a sensitization health walk from Air Force Roundabout to the venue to raise public awareness on malaria prevention. The ceremony drew key stakeholders, including healthcare workers, students of health institutions, SMEP officers, development partners, and officials from the Plateau State Ministry of Health.
Representing the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Ngo Josephine Piyo, Dr. Benjamin Garkuwa Sumi said the day provided an opportunity to reflect on progress made and reinforce commitment to ending malaria. He noted that Nigeria accounts for nearly a quarter of global malaria cases and deaths, with an estimated nine to ten deaths occurring every hour due to malaria-related complications.
Dr. Sumi disclosed that malaria prevalence in Plateau State dropped from 18.8 percent in 2021 to 2.8 percent in 2025, describing the decline as remarkable. He attributed the success to coordinated efforts by the State Ministry of Health and SMEP, supported by development partners. He also cited over 100 percent coverage during the 2024 and 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaigns and a 96 percent success rate in the 2024 Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN) distribution campaign.
According to him, malaria commodities such as rapid diagnostic kits and treatment drugs are currently being supplied to over 400 health facilities across the state. He urged residents to adopt preventive measures including consistent use of treated mosquito nets, environmental sanitation, early testing, and proper antenatal care for pregnant women.
Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, commended stakeholders and partners for their roles in reducing the malaria burden. He emphasized environmental sanitation and said recent sensitization campaigns and clean-up exercises were aimed at eliminating mosquito breeding sites. He expressed optimism that Plateau could achieve near-zero malaria prevalence if collective efforts are sustained.
Program Manager of SMEP, Nurse Kizito Ndak, described the celebration as both a milestone and a strategic platform to evaluate progress. He credited the reduction in prevalence to interventions by partners such as the Malaria Consortium and increased public awareness driven by media campaigns and community outreach. He stressed the need for continued adherence to preventive practices.
In his keynote address, Dr. Elijah Otopka described malaria as one of the deadliest mosquito-borne diseases globally, with Africa accounting for about 95 percent of deaths and Nigeria bearing a major burden. He called for increased domestic funding, stronger health systems, and investment in research and innovation, stating that the state now has the tools, knowledge, and political will to end malaria.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Malaria Consortium, Dr. Mbwas Mashor said over one million children in Plateau have benefited annually from preventive malaria treatments under the SMC programme. He called for strengthened investments and data-driven strategies to accelerate elimination. WHO representative Muoghah Abere Favour reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the state and emphasized prevention through treated nets, timely treatment, and improved hygiene.