Oyo State government has taken steps to end malaria in the state by operationalising the reference laboratory to guarantee accurate diagnoses, prompt and effective treatment for every suspected case.
The state Commissioner for health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, disclosed this at the 2025 World Malaria Day, held at Akinyele Local Government Area, Secretariat, Moniya, Ibadan.
According to her, the state governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has released the counterpart funds for the forthcoming insecticide treated net campaign to every household for use of the net.
The commissioner re-emphasised the theme of the 2025 celebration, “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite” with the slogan “Stay Committed.”
She revealed that the state Ministry of Health has intensified sensitisation in communities, expanded rapid diagnostic testing and treatment access, trained frontline health workers, volunteers and enhanced surveillance and reporting systems.
These, she added, were done through partnership with private organisations, religious bodies, ward development committees, National Malaria Elimination programme, PMI-S, GHSC-PSM, WHO, Rotary and the Malaria Consortium.
Dr Ajetunmobi stressed further that the disease has remained a relentless adversary in Nigeria, claiming countless lives and undermining the well-being of our communities.
“Malaria poses a severe threat to public health, especially in areas where resources are scarce and access to care is limited.
“Children under five and pregnant women bear the greatest burden, as malaria not only robs individuals of their health and opportunity, but also stalls socio-economic progress and diminishes quality of life across 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,” she said.
In his remarks, Chairman, Akinyele Local Government Area, Hon. Akinwale Akinyele, commended the efforts of the Ministry of Health for ensuring that people at the grassroots benefits from the Free Malaria Society project.
The chairman, represented by the Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs. Olaronke Ige, said the local government area has taken serious steps to make sure that its people and residents live in a healthier and conducive environment.
He encouraged residents of Akinyele to take prevention seriously, urging them to properly use insecticide-treated nets and promptly visit appropriate healthcare facilities for diagnosis and treatment.
He commended Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for his outstanding performance across all the sectors, particularly as it related to achieving Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In their separate remarks, 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 Oyo State government for creating an enabling environment for the actualisation of partnership arrangements.
They all assured the state government of continuous collaboration and support towards achieving zero malaria in Oyo State.
The event was rounded off with free testing, distribution of prevention materials, health education sessions, and a road walk to raise public awareness across communities.
