Edo State Intensifies War Against Malaria with Statewide Free Screening, Treatment, and Public Sensitization on World Malaria Day 2026

Edo State Intensifies War Against Malaria with Statewide Free Screening, Treatment, and Public Sensitization on World Malaria Day 2026

Habiba SamIn solidarity with the global fight against malaria, the Edo State Ministry of Health marked World Malaria Day 2026 with a series of interventions aimed at reducing the disease burden, including free testing, treatment, and large-scale awareness drives across the state.

Addressing journalists at a media briefing in Benin City, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, said this year’s theme, _Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must_, serves as an urgent reminder that the time for decisive action is now.

Dr. Oshiomhole lamented that Nigeria continues to bear the heaviest malaria burden globally, a reality he described as a public health emergency demanding united action from government, healthcare professionals, and every citizen. He stressed, however, that Edo State is responding with practical, people-centered measures under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

One of the flagship steps taken by the current government, he explained, is the provision of free malaria diagnosis and treatment in all state-owned hospitals. “No Edo resident should lose their life to an illness that is both preventable and curable,” the commissioner stated.

He added that the state has been strengthening its malaria response by expanding access to rapid diagnostic test kits, guaranteeing steady supplies of quality anti-malaria drugs, deepening community sensitization, and scaling up prevention strategies across primary, secondary, and tertiary health facilities.

To commemorate the day, the Ministry of Health partnered with the Islamic Development Bank and the African Youth Growth Foundation to roll out free malaria screening and treatment at the State Secretariat Complex. Workers and visitors at the complex turned out in large numbers to check their status and receive medication at no cost.

The exercise attracted top government functionaries and health stakeholders. The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, was among dignitaries who took part in the screening. Others present included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Andrew Iyamu; Executive Secretary of the Edo State Drugs Management and Health Commodities Agency, Pharm. Dr. Kenny Okojie; Executive Secretary of the Hospital Management Agency, Dr. Nelson Tenebe; WHO State Coordinator, Eyor Nora; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Paul Eighemhenrio; and Project Director of the African Youth Growth Foundation, Dr. Victor Woga.Beneficiaries commended the Edo State Government for the initiative, saying the free testing and drugs would enable many residents to detect malaria early and access prompt care. Several participants noted that the programme had removed the financial barrier that often prevents people from seeking treatment.

Beyond the secretariat outreach, health officials and partners staged a road rally through major streets in Benin City to educate residents on malaria prevention, the importance of early testing, and the dangers of self-medication. With banners, fliers, and public announcements, the team urged citizens to sleep under insecticide-treated nets, keep their environments clean, and visit health facilities at the first sign of symptoms.

Dr. Oshiomhole reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustaining these interventions beyond World Malaria Day, maintaining that consistent action is key to achieving a malaria-free Edo State.