Nigeria has recorded a significant decline in malaria prevalence, with national estimates showing that infections have been reduced by nearly half in recent years, marking one of the country’s strongest public health gains in over a decade.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the progress reflects sustained investment in malaria prevention, improved access to treatment, and large-scale distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets across high-burden communities. The ministry, working through the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), said the decline is also linked to strengthened coordination with state health ministries and development partners.
Despite the encouraging trend, health authorities warn that malaria remains a major public health challenge, particularly among children under five and pregnant women, who continue to account for a large proportion of cases and deaths.
To consolidate the gains, Nigeria is deepening its partnership with the Global Fund, focusing on sustained financing, stronger surveillance systems, and expanded community-level interventions.
The health authorities further noted that continued funding and effective implementation will be critical to preventing a rebound in infections, even as the country advances toward its long-term malaria elimination targets.
The renewed collaboration is expected to support ongoing national malaria programmes, strengthen health systems, and improve equitable access to prevention and treatment services across rural and urban populations.
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