By Adanne Echezona
The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme said the state recorded a decline in malaria prevalence from 10 per cent in 2022 to 6.5 per cent in 2025.
The commissioner disclosed this during a walk organised to mark the World Malaria Day 2026 with the theme: “Now We Can. Now We Must” yesterday in Asaba.
He said that the theme for this year conveys both urgency and hope, and a call to recognize the progress made to eliminate the disease.
“For the first time in history, the elimination of malaria is within our reach.
“The 2025 National Indicator Survey recorded a decline in malaria prevalence in Delta. This affirms that our strategies are working and our direction is correct.”
The commissioner said that following the 2025 Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) campaign, to which the state government contributed over N50 million counterpart funding, ITNs are now present in households across the state.
He disclosed that health centres and hospitals are equipped with Rapid Diagnostic Kits, Silfadoxine-Pryimethamine for intermittent preventive treatment, Artemisin-based Combination Therapies and ITNs for children under-five years of age and pregnant women.
Onojaeme lauded Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori, research institutions, vector control teams, doctors, nurses and community health workers for their unwavering support.
He, however, said that despite this progress, malaria remains a pressing challenge, especially during the rainy season.
“The the disease disrupts education, reduces productivity, and imposes financial strain on families.
The state’s natural endowment of creeks and rivers provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Our tropical climate sustains year round transmissions.
” Therefore, our response must be collective, sustained and urgent. The parth to a malaria free Delta requires coordinated action at every level.”
He assured that government will continue to prioritize funding for primary health care and uninterrupted access to malaria testing and treatment.
“We must strengthen environmental health teams to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites within our environment.”
The commissioner enjoined health workers and educators to promote the consistent use of ITNs, uphold the principle of `test before treatment` and counsel patients to complete the full dose of treatment.
He equally urged to residents to help eliminate the spread of malaria by sleeping inside ITNs, eliminate stagnant water around homes, wear protective clothing and avoid self medication.
