Nigeria is preparing to expand its malaria prevention efforts with a strategy known as Perennial Malaria Chemoprevention (PMC). The announcement comes as the Federal Government reports that malaria prevalence has fallen from 42% in 2010 to 15% in 2025 during the keynote address at the Perennial Malaria Chemoprevention (PMC) Dissemination Meeting held on Wednesday, 5th August 2026, in Abuja. While the progress is encouraging, health authorities say the next priority is protecting children under two years of age, who remain among the most vulnerable to severe malaria.
Perennial Malaria Chemoprevention (PMC) is a preventive approach that gives antimalarial medicines to eligible infants at specific points during routine immunisation visits. The aim is to prevent malaria infections before children become seriously ill, particularly in areas where malaria transmission occurs throughout the year.
The strategy is designed primarily for infants and children under two years of age and children living in areas with year-round malaria transmission, especially parts of southern NigeriaThese children face a higher risk of severe illness and malaria-related deaths.
Although malaria prevalence has declined significantly over the past 15 years, Nigeria still carries one of the world’s highest malaria burdens. Health officials believe introducing PMC will further reduce illness, hospital admissions, and deaths among young children while complementing existing malaria control measures.
Is This Different From Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention?
Yes. Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) is used in areas where malaria transmission is concentrated during a few months of the year, mainly in northern Nigeria.
PMC, on the other hand, is intended for locations where malaria transmission occurs throughout the year. Rather than following the seasons, the medicine is given at scheduled intervals alongside routine childhood immunisation visits.
PMC is intended to complement not replace other malaria prevention measures. Health experts continue to recommend:
Attending routine immunisation appointments.
Sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
Clearing stagnant water around homes.
Seeking prompt testing and treatment for fever.
The Federal Government says the reduction in malaria prevalence reflects years of investment in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The planned rollout of Perennial Malaria Chemoprevention represents another step towards protecting Nigeria’s youngest children and reducing the country’s malaria burden further.
Source: https://health.gov.ng/press-releases/
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