Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, on Tuesday, said that Lagos records an estimated 900,000 malaria cases annually, with febrile illnesses presumed to be malaria contributing to over 50 per cent of general outpatient visits in public health facilities.
Speaking at the launch of the Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Programme in Lagos State on Tuesday, Abayomi emphasised that the programme is a crucial step towards reducing malaria prevalence to below one per cen marking a significant leap towards disease eradication in Lagos.
“Lagos is already leading the way with a malaria prevalence of under 3%, far below the national average. With this initiative, we are taking decisive steps to eliminate malaria altogether and ensure that every fever is properly diagnosed and treated using a scientific and digitalized approach,” Abayomi stated.
He stated that the economic toll of malaria, which results in absenteeism from work and school, decreased productivity, and increased household healthcare costs.
“Malaria is not just a health issue; it is a social and economic problem. The cost of treating malaria, combined with the indirect costs of lost productivity, runs into billions of naira annually. A malaria-free Lagos is a stronger, more prosperous Lagos,” he added.
Abayomi disclosed that a key pillar of the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Program is the integration of digital health solutions to optimize malaria surveillance and case management.
He noted that through a collaboration with Maisha Meds, a digital health platform, Lagos will deploy real-time electronic malaria reporting systems across public and private health facilities, ensuring swift and accurate data collection.
While adding that the initiative will also facilitate the use of digital diagnostic tools to improve accuracy in malaria testing, the Commissioner disclosed that many patients in Lagos receive anti-malarial treatment without proper testing, leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
“The new programme mandates compulsory rapid diagnostic testing (RDTs) before any malaria treatment is administered. This initiative will ensure that only confirmed malaria cases receive anti-malarial treatment. It will also reduce the misuse of antibiotics, which is a major driver of drug resistance,” Abayomi noted.
Given that a significant portion of malaria cases in Lagos are treated outside government hospitals, the Commissioner stated that the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Program will integrate community pharmacies, patent medicine vendors, and private hospitals into the state’s malaria control network.
He added the Lagos State Government is working closely with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and the National Malaria Elimination Programm to standardize treatment protocols across all healthcare providers.
