The Kogi State Government has unveiled a ₦4 billion malaria prevention initiative, signaling a major push to curb the disease and improve healthcare delivery across the state.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo announced the ambitious program on Tuesday during the official launch at the Government House, Lokoja.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement issued on Wednesday indicated that the initiative, supported by the Islamic Development Bank, will provide free anti-malaria drugs, rapid diagnostic test kits, and over 3 million insecticide-treated nets to healthcare facilities statewide.
The intervention according to the statement is part of the governor’s broader strategy to strengthen public health infrastructure and reduce Kogi State’s malaria prevalence rate, which currently stands at 16%; well above the national target of less than 10%.
Governor Ododo cited data from the 2024 World Malaria Report, which revealed that Africa accounted for 94% of global malaria cases in 2023, with Nigeria contributing 30% of the 5,970 recorded deaths.
These figures, he stressed, highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to prevent further loss of life.
“Malaria affects us all, and it remains one of the leading causes of death in Nigeria,” the governor stated. “Our goal is to ensure that no family in Kogi State is left without access to the tools and medication needed to prevent and treat malaria.”
To ensure the success of the initiative, Governor Ododo issued a stern warning against diversion and hoarding of the medical supplies, emphasizing that they are not for sale.
He pledged strict enforcement measures to hold any violators accountable.
The intervention included, 10,000+ cartons of anti-malaria drugs and test kits, Over 1 million doses for children and nearly 2 million doses for adults and Distribution to 536 public health facilities, including primary healthcare centers, general hospitals, and teaching hospitals
The governor praised healthcare workers as “soldiers in the fight against diseases” and called on traditional rulers, NGOs, religious leaders, and local communities to actively participate in distributing and monitoring the use of the malaria prevention kits.
Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming Kogi State’s health sector, aligning with the federal government’s healthcare agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He expressed confidence that reducing malaria prevalence would significantly improve the quality of life and productivity of residents.
Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, described the initiative as one of the most comprehensive malaria interventions in Kogi’s history. He assured that the campaign is fully community-focused, aiming to ensure widespread access to malaria test kits, drugs, and preventive measures at no cost to residents.
With this bold initiative, Kogi State is setting a precedent for proactive healthcare investment, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its people.