Lagos State has launched the “Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination & Digitisation Programme,” aiming to reduce malaria prevalence to below one percent through digital health solutions, enhanced case management, and stronger public-private partnerships.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, Lagos State Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi highlighted that, although the state has relatively low malaria prevalence compared to others, it still records about 900,000 malaria cases annually.
“Malaria takes a significant economic toll, causing absenteeism from work and school, reducing productivity, and increasing healthcare costs,” he said.
A major aspect of the programme involves integrating digital health solutions, such as real-time electronic malaria reporting systems in public and private health facilities, in collaboration with Maisha Meds. This system aims to improve malaria surveillance and case management.
The programme mandates Rapid Diagnostic Testing (RDT) before any malaria treatment is given, ensuring that only confirmed cases receive anti-malarial drugs. Prof. Abayomi emphasized, “This initiative will reduce the misuse of antibiotics, a major driver of drug resistance.”
This comprehensive approach ensures that whether a patient seeks treatment at a public hospital, private clinic, or pharmacy, they will receive consistent, high-quality diagnosis and treatment, in line with the state’s guidelines.