Health

FG Intensifies Malaria Elimination Drive, Urges Stronger Community Action

Published

6 months ago

April 17, 2026

Cyril Ogar

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its resolve to eliminate malaria in Nigeria, rolling out strengthened strategies that prioritise prevention, community participation, and the adoption of proven global practices.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made this known on Friday in Abuja while receiving veteran actor and Oloja-Elect of Lagos, Jide Kosoko, who paid him a courtesy visit ahead of World Malaria Day 2026.

Speaking during the meeting, Salako disclosed that since 2023, the government has adopted a more proactive and innovative approach to combating malaria through the “Rethinking Malaria Strategy,” introduced with the support of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the minister, the strategy shifts away from conventional methods by focusing on prevention, data-driven interventions, and multi-sectoral collaboration, while also leveraging lessons from countries that have successfully eliminated malaria.

As part of this renewed push, the government established the Advocacy Committee on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria, a platform aimed at strengthening advocacy efforts and mobilising expertise to accelerate malaria eradication nationwide.

Salako highlighted that Nigeria has made steady progress in reducing malaria prevalence, noting a drop from about 42 per cent in 2010 to 22 per cent in 2022. He added that recent interventions have further reduced the burden, with only a few states still classified as high transmission zones, while several others are nearing pre-elimination status.

He cited Lagos State as a leading example, pointing out that its low malaria prevalence demonstrates the potential for replicating successful interventions across the country.

The minister also underscored improved compliance with the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, especially among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children.
He revealed that over 64 per cent of Nigerians now use treated nets when made available, attributing the progress to sustained awareness campaigns.

In addition, Salako announced that the National Malaria Strategic Plan has been updated for the 2026–2030 period, aligning with broader health sector reforms aimed at ensuring a coordinated and sustainable response.

Despite these gains, he stressed that government efforts alone cannot achieve total elimination, calling on Nigerians to take greater responsibility for preventive measures.

“Maintaining clean environments, clearing drainages, removing stagnant water, and consistent use of treated nets are critical,” he said. He also warned against self-medication, emphasising the need for proper testing and adherence to prescribed treatments.

Earlier, Kosoko commended the government’s renewed efforts and pledged his support through grassroots advocacy and sensitisation campaigns. He noted that he has been engaging communities and students in Lagos and Abuja, educating them on malaria prevention and control.

He emphasised that sustained success in the fight against malaria will depend largely on public awareness, behavioural change, and active community involvement.

The meeting, held under the IMPACT Project, was attended by senior officials of the ministry, including representatives of the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Public Health, and the National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme.

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Health

Football Legends to Light Up Nigeria in NICRAT’s World Soccer Legends Cancer Match

Published

4 weeks ago

September 2, 2026

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is set to witness a football spectacle as some of the world’s greatest football legends converge for the First World Soccer Legends War Against Cancer International Charity Football Match Nigeria 2026.

The star-studded event, backed by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), is designed to combine football entertainment with a major campaign to raise cancer awareness, promote early detection and mobilise resources for prevention and treatment.

The initiative, themed “Play for Prevention, Score for Life,” was unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja with the official launch of the event logo, kits and a 60-day countdown to the international charity match.

The campaign is expected to feature former international football stars while bringing together cancer advocates, government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders in a united effort against the disease.

Speaking on behalf of NICRAT Director-General, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Dr Margaret Sawyer said the institute was supporting the initiative because of its potential to take cancer-awareness messages to millions of Nigerians.

She said the campaign would go beyond fundraising by educating Nigerians on cancer prevention, early detection and the need to seek medical attention promptly.

According to her, football offers a unique platform for reaching diverse communities, while the influence of football legends could help deliver important health messages to a wider audience.

Earlier, National Coordinator of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Mr Jacob Onu, said the event was conceived to transcend the boundaries of sport and evolve into a national and international movement against cancer.

Onu said the participation of former football stars would amplify messages on cancer prevention, screening, treatment, research and support for patients and survivors.

He added that the event would also celebrate life, honour those who had lost their lives to cancer and inspire survivors and people currently battling the disease.

“Together, through football, compassion and collective action, we can win the War Against Cancer,” he said.

Onu called on Nigerians across the 774 local government areas to become ambassadors of the campaign by promoting healthy lifestyles, regular medical checks and early medical intervention.

He also appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists, international organisations, football stakeholders, media organisations and development partners to support the initiative.

The MOC coordinator commended NICRAT, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), sponsors, partners and other stakeholders for their support.

He assured that the organising committee would deliver an event capable of meeting international standards while creating a lasting legacy in cancer awareness, advocacy, humanitarian support and sports development.

In his goodwill message, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, expressed concern over the rising global cancer burden and called for sustained action beyond the charity match.

Gumel urged the organisers to extend the campaign beyond Abuja to communities across the 36 states, while calling on governments at all levels to strengthen cancer prevention, screening and treatment.

The NOC president pledged his support for the initiative and encouraged Nigerians to make regular cancer screening and periodic health checks a priority.

Also speaking, Director of Cancer Prevention and Control at NICRAT, Dr Usman Mohammed Waziri, reaffirmed the institute’s determination to ensure that the initiative produces a positive and lasting impact on Nigeria’s cancer-control efforts.

With the 60-day countdown officially underway, organisers said the World Soccer Legends Cancer Match would combine the excitement of football with humanitarian action, using the power and influence of football legends to drive a nationwide campaign against cancer.

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