Kogi State Warns Against Malaria Treatment Without Tests

The Kogi State Ministry of Health has issued a warning against the treatment of malaria without proper diagnostic tests. During a media briefing organized by the Family Healthcare Initiative (FHCI) to commemorate World Malaria Day 2026, Victoria Daniel, an official from the ministry, advised the public to seek accurate medical diagnoses for fever, as not all fever cases are related to malaria.

She highlighted that treating malaria without confirmation can lead to complications and weaken healthcare delivery in the state. Daniel explained that malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

She stressed the necessity of accurate diagnosis before administering treatment, noting that a negative test result indicates no need for anti-malarial drugs. Furthermore, she cautioned against self-medication, which could worsen health conditions and delay appropriate care.

Daniel advocated for the use of combination therapy over mono therapy to reduce drug resistance and urged residents to maintain clean environments to eliminate stagnant water and curb mosquito breeding.