Lagos State has made history by becoming the first sub-national in Nigeria to launch a comprehensive digital malaria pre-elimination programme aimed at reducing the burden of the disease through technology and strengthened collaboration between the public and private sectors. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially unveiled the initiative, which is backed by the World Bank, the World Health Organization, Maisha Meds, and other multilateral partners. The programme introduces a technology-driven approach to malaria diagnosis, treatment, and real-time case tracking to accelerate progress toward eradication. This milestone places Lagos at the forefront of healthcare innovation in Africa, setting a precedent for other regions in the fight against malaria, a disease that continues to claim approximately 200,000 lives annually in Nigeria.
Nigeria bears the highest malaria burden in the world, accounting for 27 percent of global cases. Despite this staggering statistic, Lagos has managed to maintain the lowest burden within the country with a malaria prevalence of 2.6 percent. However, with 900,000 cases recorded annually, the state remains determined to strengthen its response. The launch of the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitisation Programme marks a transition to a smarter, data-driven approach to tackling the disease. The initiative is designed to enhance diagnostic accuracy, ensure effective case management, and connect patients to social health insurance schemes, making malaria treatment more accessible and affordable for Lagosians.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described malaria as a major socio-economic burden that affects not only public health but also household income and national productivity. He emphasized that for many low-income families in Lagos, malaria treatment can consume up to three percent of their monthly earnings, forcing them to make difficult choices between healthcare and other basic necessities such as food and education. Businesses also suffer as employees affected by malaria miss workdays, reducing productivity. The education sector is not spared either, as children frequently absent from school due to malaria-related illnesses experience disruptions in their academic progress. The governor stated that eradicating malaria is not just a health goal but an economic imperative that will improve quality of life, raise productivity, and contribute to better educational outcomes.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted the importance of innovation in driving the fight against malaria, stating that leveraging digital tools will ensure real-time tracking of cases, allowing for prompt interventions. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating the disease, stating that while the vision is ambitious, it is achievable through collective action. He urged healthcare providers, community leaders, development partners, and residents to work together in ensuring the success of the programme. The Lagos State government will conduct monthly tracking of malaria cases to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the strategy.
Minister of State for Health Dr. Isiak Salako commended Lagos for implementing the most comprehensive strategy to roll back malaria, noting that the state has demonstrated a strong commitment to achieving total elimination. He reassured stakeholders that the recent changes in the United States government’s funding for global healthcare initiatives will not hinder Nigeria’s progress in the fight against malaria. Lagos Commissioner for Health Professor Akin Abayomi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Lagos has made significant progress in reducing malaria prevalence due to improved diagnosis, immunization, and access to effective treatments. According to him, malaria prevalence in the state has declined from 15 percent in 2010 to 10 percent in 2015 and now stands at 2.6 percent in 2025. Despite this progress, malaria remains a public health challenge, with around 900,000 cases reported annually. More than 50 percent of outpatient visits in public hospitals are due to febrile illnesses presumed to be malaria, highlighting the need for sustained interventions.
Abayomi explained that the success of the pre-elimination strategy will depend on political will, human resource development, digital interventions, strategic health financing through insurance, and strong partnerships with donors and the private sector. With these elements in place, Lagos has a unique opportunity to push forward its efforts to eliminate malaria and become a model for other states and countries battling the disease.
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