The Kaduna State Ministry of Health said it’s working closely with other sectors to address environmental determinants of malaria.
The State Commissioner for Health, Umma Kaltum-Ahmed disclosed on Saturday at a press conference in Kaduna to mark the World Malaria Day with the theme: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must”.
She said Malaria remains one of the most significant public health challenges globally and in the country, which accounts for a substantial proportion of the global burden.
She added that the state has ongoing efforts in environmental sanitation and drainage clearance to reduce mosquito breeding sites, while vector control interventions including larviciding and indoor residual spraying are being prioritized in high-burden areas.
According to her, the state is also positioning itself to leverage emerging innovations, such as malaria vaccines, to complement existing prevention strategies.
She added that despite the progress recorded, challenges remain, particularly in rural and underserved communities where transmission remains high.
The commissioner listed environmental factors, gaps in household-level prevention practices, and the need for sustained financing continue to pose risks to achieving elimination targets.
She said the fight against malaria is therefore not only a health priority but also a strategic investment in 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 per cent among children under five (NDHS 2023), malaria remains a leading cause of illness and mortality, underscoring the urgent need for sustained, coordinated, and people-centered action.
“The state government has placed human capital development at the core of its development agenda, recognizing that improved health outcomes are essential for economic growth, productivity, and social well-being.”
In line with this vision, she said the government has intensified efforts to strengthen the health 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 renovation of 15 Secondary Health Facilities is bringing quality healthcare services closer to the people.
“Across 764 public health facilities, residents now have access to free malaria testing and treatment, while engagement with private sector providers is expanding access even further.
“These investments are translating into measurable progress. Currently, 98 per cent of fever cases presenting at health facilities are tested for malaria, and 99 per cent of confirmed cases received appropriate treatment with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACTs).”
Kaltum-Ahmed said over two million children are protected annually through Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention, while the management of severe malaria has significantly improved, with artesunate treatment coverage rising to 96 per cent in 2025.
She said the consistent availability and distribution of essential commodities including rapid diagnostic tests, ACTs, and insecticide-treated nets has strengthened service delivery across the state.
“Kaduna State is also advancing a strategic shift towards integrated and sustainable health service delivery. This approach embeds malaria control within broader health system strengthening efforts, ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and impact.
She said to commemorate the World Malaria Day, the Ministry of Health will conduct integrated health outreaches across the three senatorial zones, providing free malaria testing, treatment, and preventive services, alongside community sensitization.
“This initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to taking services closer to the people and ensuring that no one is left behind.”
She urged residents to support the efforts by utilizing available free malaria services, consistently sleeping under insecticide-treated nets, and maintaining clean environments to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
The Commissioner appreciated the continued support of its 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 Programme (NMEP), noting that their collaboration remains critical to sustaining progress and accelerating 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)
