Malaria: Nigeria’s prevalence drops to 15.2%, FG targets 50% reduction by 2030
By Chioma Obinna The Federal Government has reported a decline in malaria parasite 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 remains one of Nigeria's most persistent public health challenges, with the country long accounting for the largest share of global malaria cases and deaths, according to repeated World Health Organisation malaria reports. The disease disproportionately affects young children, who have weaker immunity, making prevalence among children aged six to 59 months a key indicator used by health authorities to track progress. Nigeria's malaria control efforts have relied heavily on interventions such as insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor spraying, seasonal chemoprevention and case management, often supported by international partners like the Global Fund and the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative.
Both Vanguard and Daily Trust report the same core figures from the Federal Government: a drop in malaria prevalence among children in that age bracket from 22 per cent in 2021 to 15.2 per cent in 2025, alongside a new target to cut prevalence by half by 2030. Neither report, as summarised, details which specific interventions drove the recorded decline, how the data was collected, or what funding and strategies will underpin the push toward the 2030 target — details likely to emerge as the government's malaria elimination plan is scrutinised further.