Malaria prevalence falls in Nigeria, with ambitious reduction goals

The Federal Government of Nigeria reported that malaria parasite prevalence among children aged six to 59 months decreased from 22 percent in 2021 to 15.2 percent in 2025.

Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, announced the decline while launching the 2025 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey report and the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2026 to 2030 in Abuja.

The government now aims to reduce malaria prevalence and malaria-related deaths by 50 percent from 2025 levels by the year 2030. Pate cautioned that despite the positive trend, malaria remains a problem throughout Nigeria and requires continued focus on prevention, monitoring, and financial support. Kebbi State showed a particularly large improvement, decreasing malaria prevalence from 49 percent in 2021 to 18 percent in 2025.

Officials emphasized the importance of using data to target communities most affected by malaria and tailor interventions accordingly. The new National Malaria Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2030 will align with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and use a system of localized planning to address specific needs in each state.

The government also highlighted the need to improve consistent use of insecticide-treated bed nets, noting that 72.3 percent of children and 80.6 percent of pregnant women who had access to nets actually slept under them. The National Population Commission pledged continued support for data-driven planning and resource allocation.