World Malaria Day 2026: Borno, WHO intensify fight with free treatment, outreach to hard-to-reach communities
Borno State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending malaria, as the Ministry of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), marked World Malaria Day 2026 in Maiduguri.
The event, held at Pinnacle Hotel & Luxury Suites, brought together health officials, development partners and stakeholders under the theme, _“Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must,”_ with the rallying slogan, “Let’s Do It.”
Addressing journalists at a press briefing, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Shettima Mohammed, described malaria as a long-standing public health threat, particularly among children, but noted that sustained interventions are yielding results across the state.
According to him, the Borno State Government, with strong backing from WHO and other partners, has intensified efforts to reduce malaria prevalence through the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, provision of vaccines, and access to effective treatment.
He explained that medical supplies and preventive tools have been deployed to communities statewide, while healthcare workers continue to receive training to improve service delivery. These efforts, he added, are complemented by advocacy campaigns, public enlightenment programmes and community mobilisation, even in remote and insecure locations.
Despite logistical and security challenges, Dr. Mohammed said progress has been steady.
“The situation has been hectic and demanding, but with the consistent support of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, we have recorded significant gains,” he said.
He urged residents to take advantage of free malaria treatment and vaccination services available for children in government hospitals and health facilities, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and prevention.
The Permanent Secretary assured that the state would sustain its push toward malaria elimination, working closely with development partners to reach more vulnerable populations.
In his welcome remarks, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Goni Imam Ali, commended the state government and partners for expanding access to healthcare, especially in hard-to-reach communities. He noted improvements in service delivery and outreach, largely driven by collaboration with WHO.
Also speaking, WHO’s Malaria Focal Person, Alhaji Arzuka, praised the state’s commitment and highlighted the organisation’s contributions, including the supply of insecticides, mosquito nets, medical services and capacity-building programmes for health workers.
He pointed out that environmental and social conditions continue to fuel malaria transmission, stressing that collective action remains key to eliminating the disease.
A health consultant, Dr. Daniel Ishaya, also lauded the ongoing interventions and called on stakeholders to sustain the momentum.
He emphasised that malaria, which remains a leading cause of child mortality, can be defeated through coordinated efforts and continued investment in prevention and treatment.
The World Malaria Day commemoration in Borno underscored renewed urgency and collaboration, as stakeholders push toward a malaria-free future in the state.