As the global community marks World Malaria Day 2026 under the theme Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must, a leading Nigerian public health expert has called for renewed urgency in the fight against malaria.
Professor Dennis Aribodor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University emphasized the need for concrete action, urging governments at all levels to move beyond symbolic commitments and implement sustained, results-driven strategies.
According to him, eliminating malaria in Nigeria will require strong political will, increased funding, and coordinated community engagement. He stressed that leadership must come from top government officials, including the President, state governors, and local council authorities.
Nigeria remains the country most affected by malaria globally, accounting for a significant proportion of cases and deaths. Referencing data from the World Health Organization, Aribodor noted that millions of cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths continue to be recorded annually, with Nigeria bearing a substantial share.
He highlighted that children under five and pregnant women are the most vulnerable, with malaria contributing to severe health complications such as anemia, low birth weight, and increased mortality. Beyond health impacts, the disease also disrupts education and economic productivity, deepening poverty among affected households.
“Malaria is not just a health issue it is a development challenge that continues to trap families in cycles of illness and financial hardship, he said.
Despite the burden, Aribodor maintained that malaria is both preventable and treatable. He pointed to global progress, noting that several countries have successfully eliminated the disease after sustained interventions. As of 2026, dozens of nations have been certified malaria-free after maintaining zero local transmission for multiple years.
He also cited recent African successes, including Cape Verde and Egypt in 2024, as well as Algeria in 2019, demonstrating that elimination is achievable with the right strategies.
Nigeria, as a leading nation in Africa, has the capacity to join the list of malaria-free countries,” he stated.
The professor outlined several proven interventions that should be scaled up immediately. These include the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor spraying, environmental management to reduce mosquito breeding, preventive treatments, vaccination, rapid diagnostic testing, and effective drug therapies.
He underscored the importance of proper diagnosis before treatment, warning against presumptive medication without confirmed testing.
Aribodor further called for increased budgetary allocation to malaria programmes, timely disbursement of funds, and stronger collaboration between government agencies, health experts, and local communities. He stressed the need for clear timelines, accountability, and measurable outcomes in all interventions.
With the tools and knowledge available today, there is no justification for inaction. The time to act decisively is now, he said.
Professor Aribodor is the founder of the Malaria Eradication and Safe Health Initiative of Nigeria and serves as a regional coordinator with the Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition.