The Kaduna government. increase sanitation efforts to curb

The Kaduna State Ministry of Health said it is working closely with other sectors to address the environmental determinants of malaria.

State Commissioner for Health, Umma Kaltum-Ahmed, said this on Saturday at a press conference in Kaduna to mark World Malaria Day, with the theme: “Challenging Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must.”

He said malaria remains one of the most significant public health challenges globally and in the country, accounting for a substantial portion of the global burden.

He added that the state is pursuing environmental cleanup and drainage remediation efforts to reduce mosquito breeding sites, while vector control interventions, including larvicides and indoor residue spraying, are prioritized in high-burden areas.

She says the state is also positioning itself to leverage emerging innovations, such as malaria vaccines, to complement existing prevention strategies.

He added that despite the progress made, challenges remain, particularly in rural and underserved communities where transmission remains high.

The commissioner listed environmental factors, gaps in household prevention practices and the need for sustained funding that continue to pose risks to achieving elimination goals.

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The fight against malaria, he underlined, is therefore not only a health priority, but also a strategic investment for the future of the State.

In Kaduna State, the disease continues to disproportionately affect children under five and pregnant women.

“With a prevalence of 34.3% among children under five (NDHS 2023), malaria remains a leading cause of disease and mortality, underscoring the urgent need for sustained, coordinated and people-centred action.

“The state government has placed human capital development at the center of its development agenda, recognizing that improving health outcomes is essential for economic growth, productivity and social well-being.”

In line with this vision, he said the government has stepped up efforts to strengthen the healthcare system, particularly at the primary healthcare level.

According to her, the revitalization of 255 primary health centres, one per ward, across all 23 local government areas and the renovation of 15 secondary health facilities are bringing quality healthcare services closer to the people.

“In 764 public health facilities, residents now have access to free malaria testing and treatment, while engagement with private sector providers is expanding access further.

“These investments are resulting in measurable progress. Currently, 98% of fever cases presenting to health facilities are tested for malaria and 99% of confirmed cases have received adequate treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT).”

Kaltum-Ahmed said more than two million children are protected every year through seasonal malaria chemoprevention, while management of severe malaria has significantly improved, with coverage of artesunate treatment rising to 96% in 2025.

He said the continued availability and distribution of essential goods, including rapid diagnostic tests, ACTs and insecticide-treated nets, has strengthened service delivery across the State.

“Kaduna State is also pursuing a strategic shift towards the provision of integrated and sustainable health services. This approach integrates malaria control within broader health system strengthening efforts, ensuring efficiency, sustainability and impact.

He said that to commemorate World Malaria Day, the Ministry of Health will conduct integrated health activities in the three senatorial zones, providing free malaria testing, treatment and preventive services, as well as community awareness.

“This initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to bringing services closer to the people and ensuring no one is left behind.”

He urged residents to support the efforts by using available free malaria services, constantly sleeping under insecticide-treated nets and maintaining clean environments to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

The Commissioner appreciated the continued support of his development partners, including the Global Fund, Management Sciences for Health (MSH), Malaria Consortium, Society for Family Health (SFH), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Solina, CHAI and the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP), underlining that their collaboration remains critical to sustain progress and accelerate impact.

“Malaria is preventable and treatable. With strong political will, strategic investments and collective commitment, Kaduna State is firmly on the path to eliminating malaria. The tools are within our reach: now we can and now we must,” Kaltum-Ahmed added.

(NAN)

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