Lagos State has taken a major step in its fight against malaria, a disease responsible for 200,000 deaths annually in Nigeria. The state has become the first in the country to introduce the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitisation Programme, a groundbreaking initiative leveraging digital innovation and public-private partnerships to reduce the malaria burden.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu unveiled the tech-driven initiative, which is backed by the World Bank, WHO, Maisha Meds, and other global health partners. The program aims to improve malaria diagnosis, enhance case management, and integrate treatment into social health insurance schemes.
This shift to a digital system aligns with the impending conclusion of the World Bank-funded IMPACT project in December 2025. While Nigeria has the world's highest malaria burden—accounting for 27% of global cases—Lagos has maintained the lowest burden among 28 participating sub-national entities, with a prevalence rate of just 2.6%. However, the state still records approximately 900,000 malaria cases annually, highlighting the need for continued action.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Sanwo-Olu described malaria as a socio-economic burden that drains household incomes, reduces productivity, and affects businesses, education, and healthcare services.
"For many low-income households, malaria treatment can consume up to 3% of their monthly earnings, forcing tough financial decisions between healthcare, food, and education," Sanwo-Olu noted. "This program is a game-changer, allowing us to track malaria cases in real time and move towards a malaria-free Lagos. Eradicating malaria isn’t just a health goal—it’s an economic necessity."
The governor emphasized that achieving a malaria-free Lagos would improve productivity, enhance quality of life, and boost educational outcomes. He called for collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, community leaders, and development partners, stressing that progress must be monitored monthly.
"This vision is ambitious but achievable. With sustained effort and collective action, we will win this fight," he added.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiak Salako, commended Lagos for its comprehensive malaria elimination strategy, stating that the state is well-positioned to achieve total eradication. He reassured that changes in U.S. global health funding would not derail Nigeria’s malaria control efforts.
Lagos Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, highlighted the state's progress over the past 15 years. Malaria prevalence has declined from 15% in 2010 to 10% in 2015, and now stands at just 2.6% in 2025.
"Despite this progress, malaria remains a significant public health issue, with over 900,000 cases annually. More than 50% of outpatient visits in public hospitals are due to febrile illnesses presumed to be malaria," Abayomi noted.
To push forward its malaria eradication efforts, Lagos is leveraging strong political commitment, digital health interventions, improved diagnostics, and enhanced healthcare financing.
With the combined support of government, donors, and the private sector, Lagos is positioning itself as a leader in malaria pre-elimination, working toward a healthier, more productive future.
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