Lagos State has taken a decisive step towards malaria pre-elimination with the launch of the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination & Digitisation Programme, held on 4th March 2025 at Eko Hotel. The initiative, funded by the IMPACT Project, with chief host as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Muhammad Pate, as the Special Guest of Honour. Bringing together key stakeholders, including the World Bank, WHO, NMEP, Maisha Meds, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, and Society for Family Health (SFH), the event underscored Lagos State’s commitment to strengthening malaria case management, digitising healthcare interventions, and enhancing public-private sector collaboration. The Honourable Commissioner for Health highlighted the state’s progress, noting that smart policies and improved healthcare practices are significantly reducing malaria cases—one test and one treatment at a time.
A key highlight of the event was the formal commitment of stakeholders to drive the implementation of digital health solutions, such as AI-powered diagnostic tools and real-time surveillance, to enhance decision-making and intervention efficiency. The initiative aims to strengthen malaria service delivery, particularly in vulnerable populations like pregnant women and children under five. Through performance-based contracting, the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with its partners, will provide essential malaria commodities, including insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), antimalarial medicines, and rapid diagnostic test kits (mRDTs). Dr Omokhudu Idogho, Managing Director of SFH, reaffirmed SFH’s role in implementing malaria interventions in Lagos under the World Bank-supported initiative, emphasing the organisation’s dedication to improving diagnostic accuracy, reducing over-prescription of antibiotics, and promoting behaviour change in private sector healthcare delivery.
The launch event also marked a critical milestone in integrating digital health solutions into Lagos State’s broader healthcare framework. Stakeholders outlined key objectives, including the development of a white paper to document strategic recommendations, securing agreements for project execution, and establishing sustainable follow-up mechanisms to ensure long-term impact. With malaria test positivity rates already declining in both public and private healthcare facilities, Lagos State is well-positioned to become Nigeria’s first malaria-free state. By leveraging innovative technology, strengthening regulatory compliance through Health Facility Monitoring & Accreditation (HEFAMAA), and enhancing immunisation and preventive treatment strategies, the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination & Digitisation Program sets a precedent for malaria control efforts across Nigeria.