By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
In a bid to fight the prevalence of malaria fever in the territory, the Federal Capital Territory Administration ,FCTA, has began the distribution of free malaria drugs and diagnostic kits to FCT residents.
The Mandate Secretary, at the launch of the two – year distribution programme on Tuesday in Abuja, reiterated the administration’s commitment to eradicating malaria in the FCT.
Fasawe described the distribution programme as a “strategic and purposeful” initiative in the ongoing battle against malaria.
She disclosed that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had fulfilled the 2024 counterpart funding obligation, enabling the FCT’s participation in the 2025 malaria intervention programme.
Fasawe stressed that the campaign against malaria as a “battle for survival,” adding that in Nigeria, a child succumbs to the disease every minute.
She also outlined comprehensive measures designed to eliminate malaria from both the FCT and the country at large.
According to her, Nigeria accounts for 27 per cent of global malaria cases, the highest burden worldwide.
Fasawe pointed out that malaria remains a leading cause of mortality among women and children under five years old.
She cited a 2024 survey conducted by the World Health Organisation, which revealed that 1.4 million of the FCT’s estimated six million residents were affected by malaria.
“This translates to a five per cent malaria prevalence rate,” she stated.
“There is only one cause of malaria – mosquitoes.”
“If we successfully eliminate mosquitoes, we can eradicate malaria,” she added.
Fasawe revealed that all public health facilities across the FCT had received allocations of the free medications and test kits. She warned that any facility found selling these items would face strict penalties.
She further announced the availability of insecticide-treated nets, which would be distributed to pregnant women and nursing mothers.
In his remarks, the acting Permanent Secretary of the Health Services Secretariat, Dr Abubakar Ahmadu, stated that the initiative would improve access to malaria treatment while reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for residents.
Ahmadu urged medical personnel to ensure the proper utilisation of the distributed medications and diagnostic kits.
Dr Maureen Ugochukwu of the Famkris Healthcare Initiative described malaria as Nigeria’s most pressing public health concern.
She highlighted the economic impact of the disease, noting that affected households often deplete their financial resources on treatment, while businesses experience productivity losses due to malaria-related absences.
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