Hussaini Kafi in Kano
The Kano State Government, in collaboration with development partners, has provided over 3.5 million doses of malaria prevention drugs between July and October 2024 as part of efforts to tackle the deadly disease in the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, disclosed this during a press briefing held on Saturday to commemorate the 2025 World Malaria Day.
World Malaria Day, observed annually by the World Health Assembly, serves as a platform to reflect on global efforts towards malaria elimination and to raise awareness of the disease’s persistent threat as one of the world’s major public health challenges.
Dr. Yusuf explained that the celebration aims to showcase the progress made globally since the year 2000, with the world firmly on track to meet targets aimed at reversing malaria incidence to zero.
“Globally, from the year 2000 to 2023, a total of 2.2 billion malaria cases were recorded and about 12.7 million deaths prevented — a historic and significant milestone, especially within the African region,” he said.
He emphasized the continued severity of malaria, noting that a child loses their life to the disease every two minutes globally. According to him, an estimated 263 million malaria cases were recorded in 85 malaria-endemic countries in 2023 — an increase of 11 million cases compared to 2022 — with the African region accounting for 89.7% of these cases. Alarmingly, Nigeria contributed 25.9% of the global malaria burden.
Speaking on the theme for the 2025 World Malaria Day, “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” the commissioner stressed the importance of sustained investment, innovation, collaboration, and commitment to accelerate malaria elimination efforts. The official slogan for this year’s campaign is “Stay Committed.”
Dr. Yusuf noted that the Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has prioritized saving the lives of women and children by strengthening healthcare delivery across all levels. This commitment is reflected in the annual procurement and distribution of anti-malarial commodities worth billions of naira to the state’s 1,565 healthcare facilities, ensuring last-mile delivery of the commodities free of charge to patients, with support from development partners.
Additionally, the commissioner highlighted the routine bi-monthly distribution of thousands of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) to pregnant women attending their first antenatal care (ANC) visits, and to children who have completed their full immunization schedules.
He further revealed that 10 percent of the Kano State Health Trust Fund allocation is dedicated to malaria elimination, reflecting the state government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, particularly children under five and pregnant women.
Dr. Yusuf also urged residents to take advantage of the forthcoming integrated twin campaigns scheduled for this year, during which 7,755,564 Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) will be distributed across the state. Additionally, malaria prevention drugs will be administered to over 3,807,676 children under the age of five during the peak malaria transmission season between July and October.
“The government and its partners are committed to ensuring that every household is reached. This integrated campaign is crucial in reducing malaria cases and saving lives, especially during the rainy season when malaria transmission is at its highest,” he added.
As Kano State intensifies its fight against malaria, health authorities are calling for greater community participation, emphasizing that the path to malaria elimination requires collective responsibility and consistent action at all levels.
