By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State Ministry of Health has cautioned residents against the widespread assumption that every fever is caused by malaria, stressing the importance of proper medical diagnosis before treatment.
The Ministry warned that indiscriminate use of antimalarial drugs without laboratory confirmation could lead to serious health complications, drug misuse, and reduced effectiveness of treatment.
Mrs. Victoria Daniel, Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) Officer, issued the warning during a media parley organised by Famkris Healthcare Initiative (FHCI) in collaboration with the Ministry to mark the 2026 World Malaria Day.
She explained that fever is not a disease but a symptom, adding that it can be caused by several illnesses and should not automatically be treated as malaria.
“Fever is a symptom of many illnesses. Only a proper test can confirm malaria. When the result is positive, it means malaria is present and should be treated. If it is negative, there is no need to take malaria drugs,” she said.
Daniel emphasized that malaria can only be confirmed through diagnostic testing that detects the presence of the plasmodium parasite in the bloodstream. She noted that the parasite is transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, making accurate diagnosis essential before any treatment is administered.
She warned strongly against self-medication, saying it often leads to wrong treatment, worsening of underlying conditions, and delay in addressing the actual cause of illness.
According to her, the misuse of antimalarial drugs also contributes to drug resistance, which poses a long-term challenge to effective malaria control.
Daniel further advocated the use of recommended combination therapies for confirmed malaria cases, instead of monotherapy, to ensure effective treatment outcomes and prevent resistance.
On prevention, she urged residents to take proactive steps to reduce mosquito breeding sites by avoiding stagnant water, properly covering water storage containers, and maintaining clean surroundings.
She also advised prompt medical attention for suspected cases, noting that mosquitoes act as vectors by transmitting the malaria parasite from infected individuals to healthy persons.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to sustained public health awareness campaigns aimed at reducing malaria prevalence and promoting responsible health-seeking behaviour across Kogi State.
Test Before Treatment: Not All Fever Is Malaria, Kogi Warns Residents
