*Calls for Improved Test, Treatment Adherence
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Asiyanbi, has emphasised the need for residents to adopt appropriate health-seeking behaviours, including avoiding self-medication and adhering strictly to prescribed malaria treatments, as part of efforts to eliminate the disease in the State.
Speaking at the 2026 World Malaria Day commemoration at the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Secretariat on 29th April 2026, Dr Asiyanbi reiterated key malaria control messages, simplifying technical concepts for stakeholders’ understanding. He highlighted the State’s core Malaria intervention pillars: Prevention, Testing, Treatment, Tracking. He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing free Malaria diagnosis and treatment in public health facilities, alongside ensuring the availability of essential commodities such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), rapid diagnostic test kits (mRDTs), and Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs).
The global theme for this year is “Malaria is Preventable and Treatable: Together, We Can Eliminate It,” which featured a robust advocacy and community engagement programme, reinforcing the State’s commitment to Malaria elimination. The programme also recorded active participation from key stakeholders, including representatives of the Private Health Sector, further strengthening collaborative efforts in malaria control.
A major highlight of the programme was a comprehensive technical presentation by the State Malaria Elimination Programme Manager, Dr. Abimbola Oshinowo, who outlined key policies, progress, and strategies driving malaria control in Lagos State.
She noted that Malaria remains a major public health concern, accounting for significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among children under five. Drawing from current data, she revealed that over 978,000 Malaria cases were treated across public and private health facilities in Lagos State in 2025, underscoring the need for sustained intervention and increased community participation.
The programme also featured a panel discussion themed: “Barriers to Test and Treat Adherence,” providing a platform for multi-sectoral perspectives on challenges affecting effective malaria management. Panellists included Dr. Abiodun Oshunsanya of Harvey Medical Centre, Ajeromi; Dr. Shosanya Abidemi, Medical Officer of Health (MOH), Ojo Local Government; Dr. Abimbola Oshinowo of the Ministry of Health, and Community Representative, Hon. Bashiru Ajayi.
Discussions centred on issues such as poor adherence to diagnostic results, over-reliance on clinical diagnosis, self-medication, and gaps in community awareness. The panellists collectively advocated for intensified health education, strengthened community engagement, and improved trust in diagnostic tools to enhance treatment outcomes.
The programme further underscored the critical role of environmental sanitation, proper waste disposal, and elimination of mosquito breeding sites as key preventive measures in the fight against malaria.
Lagos State Health District V reaffirmed its dedication to supporting the State Government’s THEMES Plus Agenda on health and environmental sustainability, calling on all Stakeholders, Health Workers, Community Leaders, Private Sectors, and Residents to take collective responsibility in the drive towards a malaria-free Lagos.
