Nigeria Aims for 50% Malaria Reduction by 2030

The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged to achieve a 50% reduction in malaria parasite prevalence and mortality by the year 2030. This commitment was reaffirmed by Dr. Iziak Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, during a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, coinciding with discussions to commemorate World Malaria Day 2026.

Dr. Salako emphasized the urgency of sustaining investments and strengthening partnerships to eliminate malaria as a health threat. He highlighted that malaria remains one of the greatest public health threats in Nigeria, accounting for 24% of global malaria cases and 31% of global malaria deaths.

Notably, Nigeria has made significant progress, with malaria prevalence declining from 42% in 2010 to 15% in 2025. The country also began rolling out malaria vaccinations in December 2024, targeting children aged 5 to 23 months in Kebbi, Bayelsa, Bauchi, and Ondo states, with 700,000 children expected to benefit from preventive interventions.