The Enugu State government has announced that its commitment to fostering a healthy population, capable of contributing to productive growth, drove the sustained efforts that led to a significant reduction in malaria prevalence in the state. According to a recent national survey, the state's malaria prevalence rate dropped from 24 percent to 9.9 percent in the first quarter of 2026.
Health Commissioner Highlights Progress
State Commissioner for Health, Professor George Ugwu, revealed this achievement during the 2026 World Malaria Day event in Enugu. He attributed the success to the enabling environment created by Governor Peter Mbah, which allowed malaria intervention players to operate effectively in the state. Ugwu noted that these players have been active in all 527 public health institutions across the state, providing free malaria testing and treatment. Additionally, selected hospitals have been included in the initiative.
“Look around you, you can see billboards urging people to stop malaria. Not every fever is malaria. We are mobilizing our people. We are conducting numerous medical outreaches to underserved areas, bringing drugs and supplies to ensure our people no longer die from malaria. Our goal is to completely eradicate malaria from the state,” Ugwu stated.
International Support and Environmental Cleanliness
Ugwu emphasized that international partners in the malaria sector have been invaluable, providing both awareness campaigns and material support aligned with the state government's objectives. He also highlighted the state's efforts to promote environmental cleanliness at the grassroots level, stressing the government's commitment to improving public health. The target, he said, is to achieve “zero tolerance” for malaria, a goal made feasible by ongoing infrastructure developments in the health sector across all wards.
The Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), in partnership with the Enugu State government, the Federal Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation, and Jhpiego, is working to transition from malaria containment to elimination.
Health Insurance for Pregnant Women
Dr. Andy Eyo, Chief Executive Officer of ECEWS, announced at the event that the organization is addressing financial barriers that prevent pregnant women from accessing quality care in Nigeria. As part of this effort, 1,000 pregnant women will receive health insurance coverage, with their premiums paid to the state universal health coverage agency. This will enable them to receive antenatal care and deliver free of charge at their chosen hospitals. Eyo added that the initiative will also ensure beneficiaries participate in Malaria in Pregnancy services, contributing to the decline in malaria prevalence from 24.5 percent to 9.9 percent.
Combating Drug Resistance
Country Project Manager for Jhpiego, Dr. Bright Orji, noted that Nigeria has taken steps to prevent antimalarial drug resistance, which has been reported in some African countries. “Nigeria contributes about 24 percent of global malaria deaths and 38 percent of deaths among children under five. Drug resistance could worsen the situation,” Orji said. He explained that under the STOP-AMDR project, Nigeria is piloting Multiple First-Line Therapies in Enugu and Kwara states. This approach involves using different effective Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies simultaneously to reduce pressure on parasites and maintain treatment effectiveness. Orji also mentioned that the malaria vaccine is being introduced into the country's immunization program, targeting children under five, with a phased rollout across selected states.
WHO Reaffirms Support
A representative of the World Health Organisation, Dr. Adaeze Ugwu, stated that eliminating malaria requires sustained commitment, noting challenges such as funding gaps and climate factors. She reaffirmed the organization's support for strengthening primary healthcare systems in the state.
