The Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) has expressed its renewed commitment to a malaria-free country, just as Nigeria joined the global community to commemorate World Mosquito Day 2025.

This is contained in a statement by the national public relations officer, PECAN, Dennis Olabisi, on Friday in Lagos.

The theme of the celebration is “Accelerating the Fight Against Mosquitoes for a Malaria-Free Nation.”

Speaking on the celebration, PECAN president Olakunle Williams reiterated the association’s resolve to intensify collaboration with the government, development partners, and communities in the war against mosquitoes.

Mr Williams noted that malaria continued to claim thousands of lives yearly in Nigeria despite being preventable and treatable.

“As professional pest controllers, we stand at the frontline of protecting public health.

“This World Mosquito Day reminds us of the urgent need to accelerate interventions, deepen awareness, and support the federal government’s malaria elimination roadmap,” Mr Williams said.

He said PECAN had consistently advanced mosquito control and malaria prevention projects nationwide through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Mr Williams said PECAN had delivered life-saving interventions to high-risk communities in partnership with stakeholders, including the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, Rotary International, and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency.

He listed the communities as the internally displaced persons camps in Abuja and the Itire/Ikate and Kirikiri communities in Lagos State.

“PECAN is targeting the Makoko fishing community for its 2025 CSR outreach,” he said.

The PECAN official urged Nigerians to take proactive steps in the fight against mosquitoes and malaria by eliminating stagnant water, using insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and seeking prompt medical treatment when symptoms occur.

Mr Williams appealed to the government at all levels to increase investment in malaria control programmes, strengthen health infrastructure, and support professional pest management services.

“Nigeria cannot afford to remain the epicentre of malaria. We call on the federal, state, and local governments to prioritise mosquito control by funding integrated vector management programmes, supporting community-led initiatives, and empowering licensed pest control professionals.

“Only through sustained investment and political will can we accelerate the fight against mosquitoes and achieve a malaria-free nation,” Mr Williams said.

World Mosquito Day is observed annually on August 20. It honours the groundbreaking discovery made in 1897 by Ronald Ross, who proved that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans.

The scientific breakthrough laid the foundation for global malaria prevention efforts. 

(NAN)