By Nigeria is responsible for 27 percent of the world’s malaria prevalence, with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) contributing 5 percent of that figure, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disclosed.
Speaking during the launch of a malaria medication and free testing kit distribution programme in Abuja, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, FCT Mandate Secretary for Health Services and the Environment Secretariat, emphasized the severe threat malaria poses, especially to children under five and women.
“Only one thing causes malaria, which is the mosquito. If we can eliminate mosquitoes, we can eliminate malaria,” she stated.
Dr. Fasawe noted that a 2024 World Health Organisation survey showed that 1.4 million residents of the FCT suffer from malaria, representing a 5 percent prevalence rate given the territory’s population of 5 to 6 million.
“The fight against malaria is a fight for life; in every five minutes, a child dies from malaria in Nigeria. Our goal is to eradicate malaria from the FCT and the nation as a whole,” she said.
The programme, co-funded by the Islamic Development Bank, aims to provide continuous supplies of malaria drugs, test kits, and insecticide-treated nets to pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Healthcare facilities in the FCT have been instructed to distribute these resources freely, with strict penalties for any facility caught selling them.
Representing Famkris Healthcare Initiative, Dr. Maureen Ugochuku highlighted the economic burden of malaria, noting its impact on households and businesses.
Efforts to control the spread of malaria and reduce its impact on vulnerable groups continue, with a focus on preventive measures and accessible treatment.
