Lagos Leads the Fight Against Malaria: Health District V Hosts World Malaria Day Awareness Walk
In celebration of World Malaria Day 2025, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District V, Dr. Dapo Asiyanbi, led an impactful health awareness walk to educate residents about malaria prevention and treatment. The walk, which took place across key locations in the district, was part of the Lagos State Government’s broader efforts to reduce malaria prevalence and ensure the health and safety of its citizens.
Dr. Asiyanbi, in his speech during the campaign, urged Lagosians to prioritize proper medical diagnosis before taking any malaria medication. “Self-medication is dangerous,” he cautioned, emphasizing the importance of visiting approved health facilities for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
He also highlighted the Lagos State Government’s dedication to protecting pregnant women from malaria, noting that all pregnant women who register for antenatal care at primary healthcare centers or government hospitals are entitled to free Intermittent Preventive Therapy (IPT) during their pregnancy. This initiative, part of the THEMES Plus Agenda, is a testament to the governor’s commitment to improving healthcare access for vulnerable groups.
Dr. Asiyanbi pointed out the significant reduction in malaria prevalence in Lagos, with the rate now at three out of every 100 residents, aligning with the World Health Organization’s malaria pre-elimination goals. This achievement is a direct result of the proactive measures taken by the Sanwo-Olu administration to combat malaria through increased public awareness, proper treatment protocols, and environmental health interventions.
As the rainy season approaches, Dr. Asiyanbi stressed the importance of maintaining clean environments and adopting preventive measures like using insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying. He encouraged all Lagosians to play an active role in malaria prevention, reinforcing that it is a shared responsibility that can ultimately lead to the eradication of the disease.
