Nigeria has recorded a significant reduction in malaria prevalence, with the rate dropping 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.
The development marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against malaria, one of the country’s most persistent public health challenges.
Charles said the decline reflects years of coordinated efforts by government agencies, healthcare workers, development partners, civil society groups, and local communities.
According to him, the progress shows that sustained investments in malaria prevention and control programmes are delivering measurable results.
Although Nigeria still carries one of the world’s highest malaria burdens, the latest figures indicate significant improvements in disease control over the past 15 years.
What Drove the Decline in Malaria Cases?
The RBM chief attributed the reduction in malaria prevalence to several key interventions.
These include wider access to insecticide-treated mosquito nets, improved diagnostic services, expanded treatment programmes, public awareness campaigns, and stronger disease surveillance systems.
In addition, health authorities have intensified efforts to improve early detection and treatment, helping to reduce the spread and impact of malaria across many communities.
Experts Call for Sustained Malaria Control Efforts
Despite the progress, Charles warned that Nigeria must maintain momentum to achieve long-term malaria elimination.
He called for increased funding, stronger partnerships, and greater adoption of proven malaria control strategies.
Furthermore, he urged stakeholders to invest more in preventive measures such as seasonal malaria chemoprevention, environmental sanitation, and malaria vaccination programmes.
He noted that children under five and pregnant women remain among the most vulnerable groups and require continued protection.
Health Experts Hail Progress but Warn Against Complacency
Health experts have described the decline in malaria prevalence as a major public health achievement.
However, they caution that millions of malaria cases are still recorded annually across Nigeria.
As a result, they say sustained interventions are necessary to prevent a resurgence of infections and malaria-related deaths.
Experts also stress that long-term success will require collaboration among governments, development partners, the private sector, and citizens.
Nigeria Targets Malaria Elimination
The latest figures come as Nigeria intensifies implementation of its national malaria control and elimination strategies.
These initiatives aim to reduce infections further, lower malaria-related deaths, and ultimately eliminate malaria as a public health threat.
Stakeholders believe that continued investment in prevention, treatment, surveillance, and public education will be critical to achieving those goals.
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Nigeria Malaria Prevalence Falls to 15.2% After 15 Years of Progress
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Nigeria’s malaria prevalence has dropped from 42% in 2010 to 15.2% in 2025, marking a major milestone in the country’s fight against malaria.
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Nigeria prevalence falls to 15.2%
