The Enugu government has demonstrated its commitment to the fight against malaria through strategic interventions, the health commissioner, George Ugwu, has said.

Mr Ugwu said this on Tuesday in Enugu while briefing journalists as part of activities to mark World Malaria Day held by the health ministry and its partners.

He said that the state government has introduced free diagnostics, treatment, prevention tools, and expanded community-based programmes to tackle malaria.

“For the first time in history, the tools, science and strategies to eliminate malaria are within our reach in the state. We have the capacity, vaccines, diagnostics, and proven interventions to make elimination possible.

“We must act decisively to prevent resurgence, because malaria does not wait. When interventions slow, malaria resurges rapidly, and lives are lost,” he said.

The commissioner said that Governor Peter Mbah has made malaria elimination a health priority, adding that the state had expanded its free malaria testing and treatment across over 500 health facilities.

He noted the ministry ensured equitable access to rapid diagnostic testing and multiple first-line therapies, while integrating malaria services into primary health care to meet broader health needs.

Mr Ugwu said, “This year, our commemoration goes beyond awareness. We are enrolling 1,000 pregnant women into the State Health Insurance Scheme to protect mothers and babies.

“We are also recognising outstanding health workers who have shown exceptional dedication to malaria elimination as well as engaging communities through sensitisation and medical outreach.”

The commissioner appreciated health partners, ECEWS, Shpiego, WHO, UNICEF and media organisations for their unwavering support in the fight against malaria.

The coordinator of the State Malaria Elimination Programme, Ifeoma Otiji, called on stakeholders and partners to renew their commitment to malaria elimination in Enugu.

Ms Otiji called on all to take advantage of the ongoing free malaria testing and treatment in the state, adding that testing is necessary as not all fevers are malaria.

She said that individuals have a role to play by sleeping under insecticide-treated nets and using indoor residual spraying.

“We should eliminate stagnant water within our environment, seek early testing and complete treatment. Every effort counts and brings us closer to a malaria-free state,” she added.

The state health ministry, its stakeholders and partners had earlier conducted a roadshow to commemorate the day and distributed fliers to members of the public with the message of free malaria testing and treatment in health facilities.

(NAN)