The Oyo State Government has taken major strides toward eradicating malaria, launching initiatives aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment, and prevention across the state.
At the 2025 World Malaria Day commemoration held at the Akinyele Local Government Secretariat, Moniya, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, announced the operationalisation of a malaria reference laboratory. The facility is expected to ensure accurate diagnoses and prompt, effective treatment for every suspected case.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, Ajetunmobi revealed that Governor Seyi Makinde had released counterpart funding for the upcoming insecticide-treated net (ITN) distribution campaign, aimed at delivering nets to every household.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” with the slogan “Stay Committed,” Ajetunmobi highlighted the state’s intensified efforts in community sensitisation. She noted that the Ministry of Health had expanded access to rapid diagnostic testing and treatment, trained frontline health workers and volunteers, and enhanced disease surveillance and reporting systems. These efforts, she said, were made possible through collaborations with private organisations, religious institutions, ward development committees, and global partners including the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), PMI-S, GHSC-PSM, WHO, Rotary International, and the Malaria Consortium.
“Malaria remains a relentless adversary in Nigeria, claiming countless lives and undermining the health and prosperity of our communities,” she said. “Children under five and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, and malaria’s impact goes beyond health — it hampers socio-economic development and reduces quality of life.”
She stressed the need to turn commitments into tangible actions by implementing evidence-based policies, securing sustainable funding, engaging communities, and ensuring accountability through measurable results.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Akinwale Akinyele — represented by the Head of Local Government Administration, Olaronke Ige — praised the state’s efforts to ensure grassroots communities benefit from free malaria interventions. He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to creating a healthier, more conducive environment for residents.
He urged residents to prioritise malaria prevention, advising them to properly use insecticide-treated nets and seek prompt medical attention at healthcare facilities.
Akinyele also commended Governor Makinde’s outstanding leadership, particularly in advancing health and achieving Goal 3 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Representatives from the World Health Organisation, Breakthrough Action Nigeria, the US President’s Malaria Initiative for States (PMI-S), GHSC-PSM, the Malaria Consortium, and other partners also praised the Oyo State Government for fostering an environment that enables impactful partnerships. They pledged continued collaboration in the drive towards achieving zero malaria in the state.
The event concluded with free malaria testing, distribution of preventive materials, health education sessions, and a public awareness road walk through surrounding communities.
