Media Brief
NIGERIA CUTS MALARIA PREVALENCE BY HALF, DEEPENS PARTNERSHIP WITH GLOBAL FUND TO SUSTAIN HEALTH GAINS
Β
Abuja, Nigeria | June 16, 2026 β Nigeria has recorded a significant decline in malaria prevalence, from 42 per cent in 2015 to 21 per cent in 2026, according to findings from the latest Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS), marking a major milestone in the countryβs fight against one of its leading public health challenges.
Β
The progress was highlighted during a strategic meeting between the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Executive Director of the Global Fund, Peter Sands, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative in Nigeria, representatives of the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership, and senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to review progress and strengthen collaboration on HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria interventions in Nigeria.
Β
Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Pate emphasised that global health partnerships must translate into measurable improvements in the lives of citizens, stressing that stronger coordination among governments, development partners and implementing agencies delivers greater impact than fragmented efforts.
Β
The Coordinating Minister commended partners for their contributions to the fight against HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria and highlighted key milestones achieved under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, including the inauguration of the Advisory on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (AMEN), progress in local manufacturing of insecticide-treated bed nets, and the ongoing revitalisation of primary healthcare centres nationwide.
Β
While acknowledging progress in malaria control, Prof. Pate noted that Tuberculosis remains a significant challenge requiring intensified attention. He also raised concerns about persistent supply chain bottlenecks that have affected programme efficiency in recent years, stressing the need for a more streamlined, resilient and efficient national supply chain system capable of supporting health interventions across the country. He further identified sustainability as a critical priority, emphasising the need for increased domestic financing to protect health gains and reduce dependence on external support.
Β
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom S. mni, commended the progress recorded in disease control programmes, particularly in HIV prevention. She highlighted the growing demand and positive reception of long-acting HIV prevention products among beneficiaries and called for similar innovations to be expanded across other disease areas where appropriate.
Β
Speaking on behalf of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, Chief Executive Officer Michael Adekunle commended Nigeriaβs sustained leadership in malaria control and disclosed that the Partnership had established an office in Addis Ababa, inspired in part by issues and priorities raised by Nigeria during previous engagements.
Β
In his remarks, Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands acknowledged Nigeriaβs substantial HIV burden and expressed concern that the country receives comparatively lower volumes of long-acting HIV prevention commodities despite its disease burden. He commended the Federal Governmentβs ongoing health sector reforms and praised the quality of Nigeriaβs recently submitted application under the new Global Fund Grant Cycle, expressing confidence in the countryβs commitment to achieving stronger health outcomes.
Β
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration, strengthen domestic ownership, improve supply chain performance, expand sustainable financing mechanisms, and accelerate progress towards ending HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria as public health threats in Nigeria.
@muhammadpate @PeterASands @endmalaria @DekunleCharles @GlobalFund