The Oyo State Government, on Saturday, embarked on actions to end malaria in the state by operationalising the malaria reference laboratory to guarantee accurate diagnoses, prompt and effective treatment for every suspected case.
The state Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, disclosed this at the 2025 World Malaria Day, held at the
Akinyele Local Government Secretariat, Moniya, Ibadan.
Ajetunmobi, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital, explained that the Governor Seyi Makinde had released counterpart funds for the forthcoming insecticide treated net campaign to every household for use of the net.
Speaking on the theme for this year’s celebration, “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite” with the slogan “Stay Committed,” the commissioner revealed that the Ministry of Health has intensified the community’s sensitisation.
She stressed further that the ministry had also expanded rapid diagnostic testing and treatment access, trained frontline health workers, volunteers and enhanced surveillance and reporting systems through the partnership with private organisations, religious bodies, ward development committees, National Malaria Elimination programme, PMI-S, GHSC-PSM, WHO, Rotary and the malaria consortium.
Ajetunmobi stressed further that Malaria has remained a relentless adversary in Nigeria, claiming countless lives and undermining the well-being of our communities.
“Malaria poses a severe threat to public health, especially in areas where resources are scarce and access to care is limited.
“Children under five and pregnant women bear the greatest burden, as malaria not only robs individuals of their health and opportunity but also stalls socio-economic progress and diminishes quality of life across entire communities.
“We must translate our commitments into action by implementing evidence-based policies, securing robust funding, engaging communities as active partners, and holding ourselves accountable for measurable results.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Local Government, Akinwale Akinyele, commended the efforts of the ministry for ensuring that people at the grassroots benefit from the free malaria society project.
Represented by the Head of Local Government Administration, Olaronke Ige, the chairman said the local government had taken serious steps to make sure that people of the council live in a healthier and conducive environment.
He urged the residents to take malaria prevention seriously, advising them to properly use insecticide-treated nets and promptly visit appropriate healthcare facilities for diagnosis and treatment.
Akinyele also commended Governor Makinde for his outstanding performance across all the sectors, particularly as it relates to achieving Goal 3 of the sustainable development goals.
In their separate remarks, the representatives of the World Health Organisation, Breakthrough Action Nigeria, US President Malaria Initiative for State PMIs, GHSC- PSM, WHO, Malaria Consortium and host of others lauded the State Government for creating an enabling environment for the actualisation of partnership arrangements, assuring the government of continuous collaboration and support towards achieving zero malaria in oyo state.
The event was rounded off with free malaria testing, distribution of prevention materials, health education sessions, and a road walk to raise public awareness across communities.
