By operationalizing the malaria reference laboratory on Saturday, the Oyo State Government started steps to eradicate malaria in the state and ensure timely, efficient treatment for all suspected cases.
This was revealed by Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the state commissioner for health, at the 2025 World Malaria Day celebration at the Akinyele Local Government Secretariat in Moniya, Ibadan.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in the state capital of Ibadan, Ajetunmobi clarified that Governor Seyi Makinde has made counterpart monies available to all households for the usage of the net in the next insecticide-treated net campaign.
The commissioner stated that the Ministry of Health has increased community awareness of the theme of this year’s commemoration, “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” which bears the tagline “Stay Committed.”
Through partnerships with private organizations, religious bodies, ward development committees, the National Malaria Elimination program, PMI-S, GHSC-PSM, WHO, Rotary, and the malaria consortium, she emphasized further that the ministry had also improved surveillance and reporting systems, trained volunteers and frontline health workers, and expanded access to rapid diagnostic testing and treatment.
Ajetunmobi emphasized once more how malaria has continued to be a persistent threat in Nigeria, taking many lives and threatening the health of our communities.
Public health is seriously threatened by malaria, particularly in places with limited resources and care access.
Pregnant women and children under five are most affected since malaria not only deprives people of their health and opportunities but also halts socioeconomic development and lowers the standard of living for entire communities.
“We must translate our commitments into action by implementing evidence-based policies, securing robust funding, engaging communities as active partners, and holding ourselves accountable for measurable results.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Local Government, Akinwale Akinyele, commended the efforts of the ministry for ensuring that people at the grassroots benefit from the free malaria society project.
Represented by the Head of Local Government Administration, Olaronke Ige, the chairman said the local government had taken serious steps to make sure that people of the council live in a healthier and conducive environment.
He urged the residents to take malaria prevention seriously, advising them to properly use insecticide-treated nets and promptly visit appropriate healthcare facilities for diagnosis and treatment.
Akinyele also commended Governor Makinde for his outstanding performance across all the sectors, particularly as it relates to achieving Goal 3 of the sustainable development goals.
In their separate remarks, the representatives of the World Health Organisation, Breakthrough Action Nigeria, US President Malaria Initiative for State PMIs, GHSC- PSM, WHO, Malaria Consortium and host of others lauded the State Government for creating an enabling environment for the actualisation of partnership arrangements, assuring the government of continuous collaboration and support towards achieving zero malaria in oyo state.
The event was rounded off with free malaria testing, distribution of prevention materials, health education sessions, and a road walk to raise public awareness across communities.
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