Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled an ambitious plan to eliminate malaria in the state, leveraging digital tracking tools and improved healthcare access to tackle the disease effectively.
Speaking at the launch event, Sanwo-Olu highlighted malaria’s far-reaching impact, describing it as a significant socio-economic challenge that hampers productivity, strains household finances, and disrupts education.
“The eradication of malaria is not just good health news; it is an economic imperative. It affects school children, businesses, and overall productivity. We must put a stop to this,” the governor declared.
The initiative introduces real-time digital tracking of malaria cases, reducing reliance on extensive blood tests and enabling quicker diagnosis.
It also focuses on strengthening private-sector collaborations to enhance healthcare accessibility, ensuring that more people receive timely and effective treatment.
Furthermore, the programme calls for coordinated efforts among government agencies, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to raise awareness and drive implementation at all levels.
To maintain accountability, the initiative includes consistent progress monitoring, with the clear objective of eradicating malaria in Lagos by 2025.
Sanwo-Olu underscored the urgency of the mission, urging stakeholders to intensify their efforts in combating malaria.
He also announced the promotion of Dr. Abiola Idowu, Executive Secretary of the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), to Permanent Secretary of the same agency, acknowledging the crucial role of strong leadership in the health sector.
“We have everything we need to eliminate malaria in Lagos. This is not just an attempt—we must deliver results,” he asserted.
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