The Plateau State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating malaria and enhancing immunization rates through strengthened partnerships and increased investment in the health sector.
This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, during a press briefing held at the Plateau State Ministry of Health to mark World Malaria Day 2025.
Dr. Ba’amlong highlighted the vital role of organizations such as the Malaria Consortium, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the PMI-S in supporting the state’s health initiatives. He noted that these collaborations have contributed to a significant decline in malaria prevalence in Plateau State, from 35.8% in 2015 to 18.8% by 2021.
Updating on the ongoing efforts, the Commissioner revealed that the state is currently assessing its 2024 malaria burden and expressed optimism about further progress. “With more efforts, we are on the path of achieving a malaria-free Plateau State,” he stated.
He also reported that the state achieved an impressive 97.7% coverage rate during the 2024 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign, one of the highest in the country. Preparations are already underway for the 2025 campaign, scheduled to begin in June, with a target of reaching 100% coverage to protect children aged 3 to 59 months.
Dr. Ba’amlong commended the Malaria Consortium’s contributions, particularly in the rollout of malaria vaccines and provision of preventive drugs. He urged parents and guardians to ensure their children receive the lifesaving chemopreventive treatments.
In a move to further strengthen efforts, the Plateau State Government pledged to increase domestic funding for malaria elimination, aiming to reduce dependency on external donors. “Every amount invested saves lives, builds resilience, and drives development,” the Commissioner emphasized.
On innovation, Dr. Ba’amlong said that new strategies, including vector control tools, malaria vaccines, and community-led approaches promoted by the Malaria Consortium and WHO, are being introduced to address challenges such as insecticide and drug resistance. He also pointed to the growing threat of climate change and emerging malaria vectors, calling for greater collaboration between governments, researchers, and partners, and advocating for the development of sustainable local markets for antimalarial tools produced in Africa.
The press briefing also addressed the ongoing African Vaccination Week and the National Immunization Plus Days. Dr. Ba’amlong disclosed that routine immunization coverage in Plateau State has improved from 41.2% to 68%, though he acknowledged that it remains short of the 90% national target.
He praised initiatives like the Big Catch-Up and vaccine introduction programs led by the Malaria Consortium and other partners, which he said are helping to restore essential health services that were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Ba’amlong urged communities to reject vaccine misinformation and emphasized the importance of sustaining the current momentum. “Vaccinated communities are healthy communities, and no one should be left behind,” he said.
As World Malaria Day 2025 is observed under the theme “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” Plateau State reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding public health and building a malaria-free future.