The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) says the World Bank invested about N1.5 billion to implement the IMPACT Malaria Project in Ondo State.

It said this has led to significant improvements in malaria control and child health outcomes in the state.

The Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of IHVN, Dr Charles Mensah, disclosed this on Monday in Akure at the project’s close-out ceremony, implemented in partnership with the Ondo State Ministry of Health.

Mr Mensah said the investment covered malaria commodities, healthcare worker training, logistics, and other interventions implemented across the state and its 18 local government areas.

He said the project, originally designed to run longer, was completed within a shorter timeframe while achieving all its milestones.

According to him, the feat was made possible by the Ondo State government’s strong commitment, technical support from the World Bank, and the National Malaria Elimination Programme.

“Ondo State was one of the states where we enjoyed the highest level of cooperation. From the Governor’s Office to the Commissioner for Health and other officials, the support was exceptional.

“The World Bank invested significantly in the project.

“In naira terms, the investment was about N1.5 billion, covering commodities, training of healthcare workers, logistics and other interventions across the state and local government levels,” he said.

Also speaking, the World Bank representative, Dr Pwanedo Nzomisaki, said the project, which commenced in the state in 2024, had produced remarkable results.

Mr Nzomisaki said available statistics indicated that malaria prevalence in Ondo State declined from 27 per cent to 13 per cent during the implementation period, describing the achievement as a major milestone.

He commended IHVN and the Ondo State government for their commitment to implementing the project.

Similarly, the Director of Special Projects, IHVN, Dr Adeorunke Agbaje, described the collaboration between the institute and the state government as exceptional.

She said the partnership had resulted in marked improvements in key health indicators, demonstrating the impact of the World Bank-supported intervention.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said the project had also contributed significantly to reducing under-five mortality and strengthening primary healthcare delivery.

According to him, under-five mortality in the state dropped from 65 to 15 during the implementation period, while malaria prevalence declined from 27 per cent to 13 per cent.

Mr Ajaka added that the project revitalised 102 primary healthcare facilities and significantly improved routine immunisation coverage through its Immunisation Plus component.

He thanked the World Bank, IHVN and other development partners for their support, noting that the intervention had strengthened the state’s healthcare system and improved health outcomes.

Awards of excellence were presented to individuals and organisations that contributed to the project’s successful implementation.

The IMPACT Project is a World Bank-funded intervention aimed at reducing malaria burden, improving immunisation coverage and strengthening primary healthcare delivery in participating states.

(NAN)