The Federal Government has reported a decline in malaria prevalence among children aged six to 59 months from 22 per cent in 2021 to 15.2 per cent in 2025, while setting a target to halve malaria prevalence and malaria-related deaths by 2030.
The government disclosed this at the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey (NMIS) Report and the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2026–2030, held in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed the figures through the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom S. mni, who represented him at the event.
According to the government, the latest figures represent a 6.8 percentage-point decline in malaria prevalence among children aged six to 59 months, reflecting progress in the country’s efforts to control the disease.
Historical Malaria Prevalence Shows Gradual Decline
Nigeria’s malaria control efforts have recorded progress over the years, although the disease remains a major public health concern.
Data from previous national surveys show that malaria parasite prevalence among children aged six to 59 months declined from 42 per cent in 2010 to 27 per cent in 2015, before reaching 23 per cent in the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey.
The 2021 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey recorded a further decline to 22 per cent, while the newly reported 2025 figure of 15.2 per cent indicates continued improvement.
The figures reflect a long-running national effort involving the Federal Government, state governments, health agencies and development partners to reduce malaria infections and deaths through prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Despite the progress, differences in prevalence across states and communities remain a challenge, highlighting the need for interventions that respond to local conditions rather than relying solely on national averages.
FG Highlights Progress in Kebbi, Calls for Sustained Efforts
Speaking at the launch, Pate said the decline in malaria prevalence was consistent with the Federal Government’s commitment to improving health outcomes under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He cited Kebbi State as an example of progress, noting that malaria prevalence there fell from 49 per cent in 2021 to 18 per cent in 2025.
However, the minister cautioned that the reduction should not be mistaken for the elimination of malaria, stressing the need to sustain preventive measures and strengthen efforts to protect vulnerable populations.
The government also highlighted the use of insecticide-treated nets as an important preventive intervention.
According to the statement, among households that owned insecticide-treated nets, 72.3 per cent of children and 80.6 per cent of pregnant women slept under a net.
The figures underscore the importance of ensuring that households not only have access to mosquito nets but also use them consistently, particularly to protect children and pregnant women who face increased risks from malaria.
Government Introduces New Five-Year Malaria Strategy
The Federal Government said the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2026–2030 would guide the next phase of the country’s malaria control efforts, with the aim of reducing malaria prevalence and malaria-attributable deaths by 50 per cent from their 2025 levels by 2030.
The plan is aligned with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and will be implemented through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), guided by the principle of “One Plan, One Budget, One Report, One Conversation.”
The strategy also adopts a Sub-National Tailoring approach, which will direct resources and interventions towards areas with the highest malaria burden, using local epidemiological evidence to determine priorities.
The approach is intended to ensure that states and communities with greater needs receive appropriate attention, while improving the coordination of government programmes and partner support.
Nigeria’s previous National Malaria Strategic Plan for 2021–2025 similarly prioritised expanded access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment, alongside stronger surveillance and improved financing for malaria control.
National Population Commission Emphasises Evidence-Based Planning
The Director-General of the National Population Commission, Dr. Abuh Muhammed, highlighted the partnership between the National Malaria Elimination Programme and the commission in producing the survey.
He said the collaboration combined technical expertise in malaria control with the commission’s survey infrastructure and field operations.
Muhammed reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to evidence-based planning and urged policymakers and development partners to use the survey findings to direct resources to areas where they are most needed.
The Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey provides information on malaria prevalence and related indicators, helping government agencies assess progress, identify gaps and determine where additional interventions are required.
FG Tasks States, Development Partners on Implementation
The minister called on state governments to take ownership of their survey findings, align malaria control plans and budgets with identified needs, and ensure the timely release of funds.
He also urged development partners to align their investments and technical support with national priorities.
Pate commended the National Malaria Elimination Programme, the National Population Commission and other partners involved in conducting the survey.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening domestic financing, improving surveillance and sustaining a coordinated and accountable national response to malaria.
The government said these measures would support efforts to reduce malaria-related illness and deaths across the country as Nigeria works towards its 2030 target.
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