World Mosquito Day: FG Warns Nigerians Against Malaria Risks, Advocates Prevention, Vaccination Measures

By: Peter Emmanuel |

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has called on Nigerians to intensify malaria prevention efforts as the country joins the rest of the world to mark World Mosquito Day.

In a public awareness message released on Thursday, the ministry warned that while mosquito bites may appear small, the health consequences of malaria can be serious if preventive measures are ignored.

The ministry encouraged Nigerians to adopt multiple layers of protection, including sleeping under insecticide-treated nets, clearing mosquito breeding sites, seeking early medical attention when symptoms appear and ensuring eligible children receive malaria vaccines.

The message, delivered in both English and Nigerian Pidgin, emphasised that malaria prevention requires consistent action from individuals, families and communities.

The Federal Government said it is strengthening efforts to reduce the malaria burden in Nigeria through expanded access to preventive tools, including vaccination for eligible children.

FG Promotes Use of Insecticide-Treated Nets, Early Treatment, Clean Environment

The ministry advised Nigerians to sleep under insecticide-treated nets as one of the effective ways to reduce exposure to malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

It also urged households and communities to clear stagnant water and other breeding areas where mosquitoes can multiply.

The ministry stressed the importance of seeking medical care early when symptoms such as fever and other signs associated with malaria appear, noting that prompt treatment can help prevent complications.

Nigeria has continued to implement malaria control measures, including the distribution of insecticide-treated nets and other preventive interventions as part of efforts to reduce infections.

Health authorities have also continued to encourage community participation, noting that malaria prevention requires collective action beyond government programmes.

The ministry said every preventive step counts in protecting families, especially vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women who face higher risks from malaria complications.

Government Expands Access to Malaria Vaccines for Eligible Children

The Federal Government also highlighted the expansion of malaria vaccination as part of efforts to protect more children from the preventable disease.

The ministry said eligible children can access the malaria vaccine free of charge as part of ongoing efforts to reduce malaria-related illnesses and deaths among young children.

Nigeria began a phased rollout of the malaria vaccine, with the programme targeting children within the recommended age group in selected states before further expansion.

The government said the vaccination programme complements existing malaria prevention measures, including mosquito control, use of treated nets, diagnosis and treatment.

The ministry reiterated that vaccination, alongside other protective measures, remains an important part of the country’s strategy to move towards a malaria-free Nigeria.

The Federal Government said it remains committed to strengthening malaria prevention efforts through public awareness, improved access to health services and the expansion of life-saving interventions.