World Bank Invests N1.5bn in Ondo Malaria Project

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) announced that the World Bank invested approximately N1.5 billion in the IMPACT Malaria Project in Ondo State, aimed at malaria prevention and control. Dr. Charles Mensah, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of IHVN, revealed this during the project's close-out ceremony in Akure, held in collaboration with the Ondo State Ministry of Health.

The funding facilitated the provision of malaria commodities, healthcare worker training, and logistics across the state's 18 local government areas. The project, which commenced in 2024, achieved a reduction in malaria prevalence from 27% to 13% and contributed to a decline in under-five mortality from 65 to 15.

Dr. Pwanedo Nzomisaki from the World Bank commended the project's success, while Dr. Adeorunke Agbaje highlighted the exceptional partnership with the state government. The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, noted the revitalization of 102 primary healthcare facilities and improvements in routine immunization coverage.