Plateau State has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating malaria as the State Malaria Elimination Programme (SME-P), in partnership with the Malaria Consortium, launched the 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention campaign with a media parley, celebrating its recognition as the top-performing programme in the country while promoting awareness and community participation.
Addressing attendees, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong highlighted a steady and encouraging decline in malaria prevalence across the state. He reported that rates have dropped from approximately 21% several years ago to around 15% in the most recent, yet-to-be-published assessment.
Dr. Ba’amlong described this progress as highly significant. He expressed optimism that with consistent interventions, the state could soon achieve an annual prevalence of less than 10%, bringing its elimination goal within reach.
Nurse Ndak Zuhumnan Andarawus, SMEP Programme Manager, detailed the SMC process. The preventive treatment is administered to children aged 3-59 months during the rainy season from June to October.
The 2025 campaign aims to reach over 963,000 children across all 17 local governments. To achieve this, SMEP has recruited more than 12,000 personnel, including community drug distributors and town announcers.
Andarawus assured parents of the medication’s safety, noting it is WHO-tested. He emphasized that trained health workers are always on hand to manage any potential side effects.
Dr. Mbwas Mashor, representing Dr. Maxwell Kolawole, Western Central Africa Program Director for Malaria Consortium, revealed that SMC has reached nearly one million children in the state annually since 2021. The intervention showed immediate results, with prevalence dropping after the first year.
He noted that hospitals across the state are already reporting a drastic decline in severe malaria admissions among children. This confirms that SMC, combined with other health efforts, is saving lives and strengthening community prevention.
Dr. Mafwanlal Bunan Masok, Director of Public Health, underscored the vital role of the Malaria Consortium. Their support has been critical in reducing the burden of malaria for the most vulnerable group: children under five
A Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) consultant emphasized the media’s vital role in raising awareness and combating misinformation. Media platforms are essential for encouraging caregivers to accept the free, life-saving drugs for their children.
Kachallom Gyang emphasized that safeguarding is vital in malaria interventions, ensuring children and vulnerable adults are protected through strict policies, community awareness, data protection, and equal treatment, with offenders facing dismissal when cases are reported.
In a resident’s testimony, Deborah Ababatunde praised the SMC drugs as the best prevention method. She confirmed that many children have remained malaria-free since its introduction and advised all mothers to ensure their children participate.
