The Plateau State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending malaria and boosting immunization rates through stronger partnerships and renewed investments. This was revealed during a press briefing by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, to Plateau bloggers and online media on World Malaria Day 2025.
Speaking at the press briefing, Dr. Ba’amlong emphasized the critical role of organizations like Malaria Consortium in supporting the state’s health initiatives. He noted that with the support of partners such as Malaria Consortium, World Health Organization (WHO), PMI-S, Plateau State had reduced malaria prevalence from 35.8% in 2015 to 18.8% in 2021.
The Commissioner disclosed that the state is currently assessing the 2024 malaria burden and is optimistic about further progress. He said, “With more efforts, we are on the path of achieving a malaria-free Plateau State.”
Highlighting the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign, Dr. Ba’amlong announced that Plateau State achieved a remarkable 97.7% coverage in 2024, one of the highest in the country. He stated that the 2025 SMC would commence in June with the goal of reaching 100% coverage to further protect children aged 3 to 59 months.
Malaria Consortium, a key partner, has played a vital role in supporting the rollout of malaria vaccines and providing preventive drugs, according to the Commissioner. He stressed the importance of community participation, urging parents to allow their children to receive the chemopreventive drugs.
The Plateau State Government has also pledged to increase domestic funding for malaria elimination, recognizing the importance of reducing reliance on external donors. “Every amount invested saves lives, builds resilience, and drives development,” Dr. Ba’amlong stressed.
On innovation, the Commissioner revealed that Malaria Consortium and WHO are promoting the use of new vector control tools, malaria vaccines, and community-led approaches to tackle challenges like insecticide and drug resistance.
Acknowledging the threat posed by climate change and emerging malaria vectors, Dr. Ba’amlong called for greater collaboration among government, researchers, and partners. He said there was an urgent need to “grow sustainable local markets for antimalarial tools that will be made in Africa.”
Aside from malaria, the briefing also addressed the African Vaccination Week and National Immunization Plus Days. The Plateau State Government, with partners’ support, has seen routine immunization coverage rise from 41.2% to 68%, though the Commissioner noted it was still short of the 90% national target.
Dr. Ba’amlong applauded initiatives like the Big Catch-Up and vaccine introduction programs led by the Malaria Consortium and others, which are helping to restore essential health services disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He concluded by calling on communities to reject vaccine misinformation and urging the state to sustain its momentum. “Vaccinated communities are healthy communities, and no one should be left behind,” he affirmed.
As World Malaria Day 2025 is celebrated under the theme “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” Plateau State stands committed to protecting its people and building a healthier, malaria-free future.
