In Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial heartbeat, a crucial alliance against malaria scourge is taking shape. On Tuesday, representatives from the Society for Family Health (SFH) and the Lagos State Ministry of Health gathered in a sunlit conference room, filled with an air of hopeful determination. They were there to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a pivotal step toward combatting the relentless grip of malaria that had long plagued their community.
As the ink dried on the agreement, the gravity of the situation loomed large. Nigeria, the country where they live, stood among the most affected by malaria globally, accounting for an alarming 27 per cent of the world’s burden in 2021. It was a harsh reality, particularly for vulnerable populations—children under five and pregnant women bore the brunt of this preventable disease. The figures were stark: over 97 per cent of Nigeria’s population was at risk, and the need for urgent action was palpable. The MoU was signed by Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, and Dr. Omokhudu Idogho, Managing Director of SFH. Prof. Abayomi spoke with a fierce conviction, his voice resonating in the room. “This project is a critical step in reducing these numbers. We must expand access to prevention tools, such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and enhance diagnosis and treatment services across the state,” he declared, his eyes reflecting the urgency of their mission.
During the MoU signing ceremony, Abayomi emphasised the importance of the Malaria IMPACT Project, which aligns with the National Malaria Strategic Plan. “Nigeria continues to bear the brunt of malaria, contributing significantly to global malaria morbidity and mortality rates, especially among vulnerable populations like children under five and pregnant women. This project is a critical step in reducing these numbers, as it aims to expand access to malaria prevention tools, such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and improve diagnosis and treatment services across the state,” he said.
On his part, Dr Idogho further highlighted the significance of the project, saying that the Malaria Impact Project focuses on strengthening malaria diagnosis and case management. He added that SFH would collaborate with the Lagos State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) to enhance malaria diagnosis through the expanded use of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and microscopy. According him, community engagement and behaviour change as well as Public-Private Partnerships for Malaria Elimination, are other areas of focus for the project.
He said: “We are proud to collaborate with the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to significantly reduce the malaria burden in the state. This initiative brings us closer to a Malaria-Free Nigeria while strengthening healthcare systems to deliver equitable, high-quality malaria control services, particularly in underserved communities. By leveraging data and digital solutions, we are addressing critical health challenges and driving improvements that will benefit the entire healthcare system.”
Yet, it was not just about healthcare interventions; it was also about changing the narrative within communities. Dr. Jennifer Anyanti, Deputy Managing Director of SFH, articulated the initiative’s heart: community engagement. “By working closely with local organisations and stakeholders, we ensure that essential messages about malaria prevention and treatment reach even the most remote communities,” she stated, her enthusiasm contagious. “This will improve health outcomes for all and reach the over 20 million residents of the state.”
