Campaign will leverage media, as Prevalence Nears 1%

Lagos State has launched a new public awareness campaign on malaria prevention and management as it moves closer to eliminating the disease, officials said on Sunday.

A statement by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo Director, Public Affairs Lagos state ministry of health revealed that the campaign, unveiled on Friday in partnership with the Society for Family Health (SFH) and funded under the World Bank–supported Malaria IMPACT Project, aims to push the state into full malaria pre-elimination.

The statement stated that Malaria prevalence in Lagos has dropped from 15% in 2010 to nearly 1% today.

“This is a defining moment in Lagos’ public health journey,” SFH Managing Director Omokhudu Idogho said, adding that the campaign would promote four key strategies: prevent, test, treat and track.

He said the project would use radio and television jingles, billboards, social media, bus branding and community engagement to spread its message.

Deputy Managing Director of SFH, Jennifer Anyanti, said the initiative would also equip community pharmacies and patent medicine vendors with tools to ensure proper malaria testing and referrals.

Lagos health officials urged residents to adopt preventive measures such as environmental sanitation and the use of insecticide-treated nets, warning against self-medication and incomplete treatment.

“This campaign is not just about malaria, it is about saving lives and building healthier communities,” said Dr. Abimbola Osinowo, programme manager of the Lagos State Malaria Elimination Programme.

CBI News reports that the campaign launch ended with a resounding commitment from stakeholders to amplify the Prevent, Test, Treat, and Track message across the State. With the combined efforts of SFH, the World Bank, Lagos State Government, and the media, stakeholders expressed optimism that Lagos would not only sustain its pre-elimination status but serve as a national model in the fight against malaria.