BENJAMIN OMOIKE
LAGOS, Nigeria – Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has reiterated Lagos State’s unwavering commitment to eliminating malaria, emphasizing the strategic role of technology, accountability, and community participation in achieving pre-elimination status.
Speaking at the mid-term review meeting of the IMPACT Project and the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination & Digitization Program held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, on Thursday, the Governor highlighted the progress made since the project’s launch earlier this year and outlined a roadmap for sustaining momentum.
“When we kicked off this initiative on March 4, we had a clear vision: to transform hope into measurable results and shift Lagos from a high-burden malaria zone to one on the brink of elimination,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said. “Today’s review is more than a formality—it is a critical checkpoint in our journey to a malaria-free Lagos.”
Evidence-Driven Progress
The Governor noted that the project has been anchored on the pillars of evidence-based interventions, technological innovation, and multi-sectoral collaboration. He commended the backing of international development partners, including the World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, for providing critical funding and technical support.
“These investments have allowed us to expand interventions at primary care points, improve diagnostic services, and strengthen our ability to track and respond to malaria cases in real time,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
Digitisation as a Game-Changer
A core feature of the program, the Governor said, is digitization across the health ecosystem. Through the deployment of real-time reporting systems in both public and private health facilities, Lagos is narrowing the information gap that previously hampered timely diagnosis and treatment.
He cited the rollout of digital pharmacy and facility software, which enhances diagnostic accuracy, standardizes treatment protocols, and integrates private healthcare providers into the state’s surveillance system. This, he emphasized, is helping the state allocate resources more efficiently.
Data, Scale, and Accountability
Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed the importance of data transparency and field accountability as essential tools in assessing progress and identifying areas for improvement.
“Are rapid diagnostic tests being used consistently? Are pharmacies and patent medicine vendors reporting cases? Are we truly enforcing a ‘test-before-treatment’ culture? These are questions we must answer with clear data,” he said, urging all stakeholders to embrace the digital platforms now in place.
He also called attention to the need for quality control as interventions scale, emphasizing the importance of training, supervision, and alignment with the Ilera Eko health financing scheme to ensure affordable access to care.
Community Engagement Critical to Success
Beyond clinical interventions, the Governor appealed for greater community involvement. He underscored the role of residents in malaria prevention, from eliminating mosquito breeding sites to seeking prompt testing and treatment.
“Our success hinges not just on what happens in clinics, but in our homes, schools, and marketplaces,” he said. “We need households and community leaders to own this fight.”
Acknowledging Partners and Institutions
Governor Sanwo-Olu extended his appreciation to development partners and local stakeholders, including the World Health Organization (WHO), National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP), Maisha Meds, Society for Family Health, private health providers, and community-based organizations.
He also commended the Lagos State Ministry of Health, led by Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi, along with agencies like LASHMA and IHV, for their ongoing efforts in implementing and coordinating the project.
Looking Ahead
The Governor concluded by urging that the review meeting serve not only as an assessment of past efforts but as a platform for setting a clear operational path forward. He called for a sharpened focus on identifying high-burden areas, retraining providers, improving surveillance, and fully integrating data into the State Health Dashboard.
“To all Lagosians, this fight is ours to win. Let us test, treat, and report responsibly. Together, we can make malaria a thing of the past in our state.”
