As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark World Malaria Day 2025 with the theme “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” an unusual trend is catching the attention of residents in Kano—fewer mosquitoes.
The Independent Mirror reports that the Kano State event was graced by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, who highlighted the state’s significant strides towards malaria elimination.
Many residents believe the intense heatwave currently sweeping across the state is keeping the malaria-causing insects at bay.
In his remarks, Dr. Yusuf noted that between 2000 and 2023, global efforts prevented 2.2 billion malaria cases and 12.7 million deaths, with Africa bearing the greatest burden.
He stressed that malaria remains a leading cause of outpatient visits in Kano, contributing to 60% of hospital consultations in 2024 alone. Over 4.1 million hospital visits were attributed to malaria, with 99.5% of cases successfully treated with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs).
Under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano State has intensified its efforts against malaria through various strategic interventions, including:
Procurement and Distribution: Continuous supply of anti-malarial commodities across 1,565 health facilities via “Last Mile Delivery” systems.
Training of Healthcare Workers: Focused on improving malaria diagnosis and treatment.
Community Engagement: Reviving community case management through health influencers across 19 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Drug Administration Campaigns: Collaboration with partners leading to the distribution of over 3.5 million doses of malaria preventive drugs (SPAQ) to children under five.
Insecticide-Treated Net Campaigns: Distribution of over 7.7 million ITNs, aiming to prevent over 75% of malaria cases among children under five.
Funding Support: Allocation of 10% from the Kano Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) towards malaria elimination activities.
Dr. Yusuf highlighted that these interventions have contributed to a decrease in malaria prevalence in Kano from 32.4% in 2015 to 26% according to the Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey (NMIS 2021).
He further emphasized the need for continued environmental hygiene, urging citizens to eliminate stagnant water, clear blocked drains, and keep their surroundings clean to prevent mosquito breeding.
The Commissioner expressed deep appreciation to development partners including WHO, UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, Society for Family Health, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and many others for their unwavering support.
He also acknowledged the role of media organizations as critical partners in promoting malaria elimination efforts.
Dr. Yusuf concluded by calling on all stakeholders — government, private sector, civil society, and communities — to sustain the momentum towards making Kano State malaria-free.
