The #EndMalariaInNigeria campaign has called on the Federal Government and other stakeholders to adopt aggressive mosquito control measures as part of efforts to reduce Nigeria’s malaria burden, warning that the country will continue to record preventable deaths unless it tackles the source of transmission.
The campaign said Nigeria records more than 180,000 malaria-related deaths annually, making it one of the countries most affected by the disease globally.
In a statement issued on Friday ahead of the 2026 World Mosquito Day, the campaign’s Convener, Francis Nwapa, said Nigeria’s current emphasis on malaria diagnosis and treatment was inadequate to eliminate the disease.
He stressed that comprehensive vector control, including the elimination of mosquito breeding sites, should become the country’s foremost malaria prevention strategy.
According to Nwapa, World Mosquito Day, observed annually, commemorates the scientific discovery that mosquitoes transmit malaria, but lamented that the disease remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest public health challenges more than a century later.
Quoting figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the campaign said Nigeria accounts for about 27 per cent of global malaria cases and over 30 per cent of malaria-related deaths worldwide, with children under five years and pregnant women bearing the highest burden.
“Despite significant investments in diagnosis and treatment, malaria will remain a national burden unless Nigeria adopts a more aggressive and sustainable approach to controlling mosquito populations,” Nwapa said.
The campaign urged the Federal Government, state governments, local councils, development partners, private organisations and citizens to make vector control the centrepiece of malaria prevention programmes.
It recommended the elimination of mosquito breeding sites through improved environmental sanitation, construction and maintenance of effective drainage systems, better urban waste management and an end to indiscriminate refuse dumping.
The group also advocated proper planning and management of dams and irrigation projects to minimise mosquito breeding, routine larviciding where necessary, and wider implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), combining environmental sanitation, biological control measures, indoor residual spraying and community participation.
It further called for increased investment in public enlightenment campaigns and sustained environmental sanitation initiatives to encourage public participation in malaria prevention.
“The fight against malaria cannot be won by treatment alone. Every mosquito breeding site eliminated is a step towards saving lives, reducing healthcare costs, improving productivity and strengthening Nigeria’s economy,” Nwapa added.
The campaign urged authorities to move beyond annual awareness campaigns by implementing a comprehensive national vector control programme capable of significantly reducing malaria transmission across the country.
“As we commemorate World Mosquito Day 2026, let us move beyond awareness to decisive action. We call on all stakeholders to unite behind a comprehensive national vector control programme that will protect millions of Nigerians from preventable illness and death.
“Together, we can end malaria by defeating the mosquito,” the statement added.
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