rof. Wellington Oyibo , a professor of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, has urged different states of the Federation to develop the political will toward elimination of malaria in Nigeria.
Oyibo, also a Tropical Disease Specialist, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in commemoration of the World Malaria Day, celebrated annually on April 25.
NAN reports that the 2026 theme: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must” highlights the urgency of using available tools, science, and partnerships to eliminate malaria.
Oyibo cited Lagos State as one that had been on the pathway to malaria elimination.
He explained that a study revealed that only about five per cent of Lagos population had malaria, with two other states like Anambra and Delta, which had about single digit of malaria presence.
Oyibo described the progress as a major milestone in public health, which other states of the Federation should emulate for a holistic impact in the fight to end malaria across the country.
He emphasised that Lagos State was able to record such progress because the state had a very strong political will and commitment to curb malaria.
He added that the state government, which had been on the driver’s seat to malaria elimination, was ever financially ready to combat the disease.
According to him, Lagos State is not only facing malaria, but also other diseases that can affect human health as a result of the malaria disease/parasite.
The tropical disease specialist, therefore, urged other states of the Federation to emulate Lagos State and develop the political will needed to end malaria.
“Lagos State is on the driver’s seat to elimination of malaria.
“The state over the years has shown strong commitment and political will in the fight against malaria in terms of advocacy, resources, data, research and financial support.
“Of course, Lagos has shown very strong leadership, but they can’t do it alone.
“To end malaria in Nigeria, that sincerity of purpose must be there among different state governments of the country,” Oyibo told NAN.
Oyibo, however, urged the Lagos State Government to continue in its efforts to end malaria, saying, “the process is dynamic, you can’t get success and then stay back, it has to be a continuous exercise”.
According to him, malaria is an old disease that has remained a major public health challenge, especially for children and pregnant women, stressing that it is both preventable and treatable.
Oyibo said that simple preventive measures, including the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, environmental sanitation and timely medical care, could significantly reduce infection rates, particularly among children and pregnant women.
He also emphasised the need for citizens to refrain from the act of treating malaria on assumption, but to undergo proper tests to ascertain that a particular health condition was caused by malaria parasite before using malaria drugs.
“Malaria is a people’s disease.
“Treatment on assumption is not acceptable; if you feel that you have malaria, you must do a malaria test to confirm before undergoing treatment,” he said.
Oyibo, therefore, called for better collaboration, increased awareness, sustained investment and collective commitment, saying that only about 20/30 per cent of the population commitment would not make significant impact.
According to him, elimination of malaria requires sustained resources, investment in research, data and strong advocacy/awareness.
“The fight against malaria is a collective and shared responsibility of all – the governments, citizens, healthcare providers and stakeholders.
“We must reinvest, reimagine, and reignite our commitment. If only about 20/ 30 per cent of the population are committed to the fight against malaria, there won’t be any significant impact.
“If we want to make progress, our action must be total,” Oyibo said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
