Nigeria’s First Lady Urges Collective Action To Eradicate Malaria On World Malaria Day.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has issued a passionate call for unified efforts to combat malaria, describing the disease as a “national emergency” that demands urgent action. The appeal was made in a statement released on Friday by her Media Aide, Busola Kukoyi, to mark World Malaria Day 2025.
Speaking on the global health observance, Mrs Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s unenviable position as the country with the highest malaria burden worldwide. “Today, on World Malaria Day 2025, we are reminded that malaria is not just a public health challenge for Nigeria, it is a national emergency,” she said. “We must continue to work hard to reverse this trend.”
The theme for this year’s World Malaria Day, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” resonates deeply with the First Lady’s message. She described it as both a rallying cry and a beacon of hope, urging stakeholders to recommit to life-saving interventions, raise awareness, and foster a collective resolve to eliminate malaria once and for all. “It challenges us to renew our investment in life-saving interventions, increased awareness, and to revive the collective commitment needed to end malaria,” she stated.
Mrs Tinubu also emphasised the importance of maintaining a clean environment and practising good personal hygiene as critical measures to prevent malaria and other illnesses. Her call aligns with ongoing efforts to promote preventive strategies, such as the use of insecticide-treated bed nets and access to timely medical treatment, which remain vital in reducing the disease’s impact.
Malaria continues to exact a heavy toll on Nigeria, with millions of cases reported annually, disproportionately affecting children and pregnant women. The World Health Organisation estimates that Nigeria accounts for a significant portion of global malaria cases and deaths, underscoring the urgency of Mrs Tinubu’s message.
The First Lady’s statement comes amid other national challenges, including recent reports of a building collapse in Ojodu-Berger, Lagos, where rescue operations are ongoing. However, her focus on malaria highlights the need for sustained investment in public health infrastructure and community-driven initiatives to tackle preventable diseases.
Mrs Tinubu’s advocacy builds on Nigeria’s participation in global and regional malaria elimination campaigns, including efforts to distribute mosquito nets and antimalarial drugs, as seen in recent initiatives in states like Ondo. Her call for action is expected to galvanise government agencies, healthcare providers, and citizens to prioritise malaria prevention and treatment in their communities.
As Nigeria joins the world in commemorating World Malaria Day, the First Lady’s words serve as a reminder that ending malaria is within reach, but only through renewed commitment and collaborative effort. “Malaria ends with us,” she reiterated, urging all Nigerians to play their part in creating a healthier, malaria-free future.
