Nigeria has recorded a significant decline in malaria prevalence over the past 15 years, with the rate falling from 42 per cent in 2010 to 15.2 per cent in 2025, according to the Chief Executive Officer of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, Michael Adekunle Charles.
Charles said the progress reflects years of sustained efforts by government agencies, development partners, healthcare workers, civil society organisations and local communities in tackling one of Nigeria’s most persistent public health challenges.
He noted that the reduction demonstrates the impact of coordinated investments in malaria prevention and control, despite Nigeria continuing to carry one of the world’s highest malaria burdens. According to him, expanded access to insecticide-treated mosquito nets, improved diagnostic services, effective treatment programmes, public awareness campaigns and strengthened disease surveillance have played key roles in reducing infections across the country.
The RBM chief said the gains achieved so far show that sustained interventions can produce measurable results and improve health outcomes for millions of Nigerians. He, however, stressed that maintaining progress will require increased funding, stronger partnerships and the continued implementation of proven malaria control strategies.
Charles called for greater investment in preventive measures, including seasonal malaria chemoprevention, improved environmental sanitation and wider deployment of malaria vaccines, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. He also emphasised the need for a whole-of-society approach involving governments, the private sector, development partners and citizens to address both health and environmental factors that contribute to malaria transmission. (Sabin Vaccine Institute)
Health experts have described the decline in prevalence as a major milestone in Nigeria’s public health journey. However, they caution that malaria remains a serious threat, especially to children under five years and pregnant women, who continue to bear a disproportionate share of the disease burden.
Nigeria has historically accounted for a significant portion of global malaria cases and deaths, making the fight against the disease a national health priority. Recent reports indicate that progress in reducing malaria prevalence has been supported by expanded prevention campaigns, improved access to treatment and stronger collaboration among public and private sector stakeholders. (malariaconsortium.org)
Despite the encouraging decline, stakeholders warn that millions of malaria cases are still recorded annually across the country, underscoring the need for sustained interventions to prevent a resurgence. They argue that maintaining momentum is critical to reducing infections further, lowering malaria-related deaths and advancing Nigeria’s long-term elimination goals.
The latest figures come as Nigeria intensifies efforts under its national malaria control and elimination strategies aimed at reducing the disease burden, improving public health outcomes and ultimately eliminating malaria as a major public health threat.
