Earlier today, Ireport247new reported a surge in malaria cases in Ethiopia amidst conflict and climate change. However, it appears that the incident is not peculiar to Ethiopia alone, as a new report indicates that Lagos State records an estimated 900,000 malaria cases annually.
According to Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, febrile illnesses presumed to be malaria contribute to over 50% of general outpatient visits in public health facilities.
Speaking at the launch of the Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Programme in Lagos State, Abayomi emphasized that the program is a crucial step towards reducing malaria prevalence to below one percent, marking a significant leap towards disease eradication in Lagos. “Lagos is already leading the way with a malaria prevalence of under 3%, far below the national average. With this initiative, we are taking decisive steps to eliminate malaria altogether and ensure that every fever is properly diagnosed and treated using a scientific and digitalized approach,” Abayomi stated.
Abayomi noted that malaria has significant economic implications, resulting in absenteeism from work and school, decreased productivity, and increased household healthcare costs. “Malaria is not just a health issue; it is a social and economic problem. The cost of treating malaria, combined with the indirect costs of lost productivity, runs into billions of naira annually. A malaria-free Lagos is a stronger, more prosperous Lagos,” he added.
The Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Program aims to integrate digital health solutions to optimize malaria surveillance and case management. Key features of the program include:
- Real-time Electronic Malaria Reporting Systems: Lagos will deploy real-time electronic malaria reporting systems across public and private health facilities, ensuring swift and accurate data collection.
- Digital Diagnostic Tools: The initiative will facilitate the use of digital diagnostic tools to improve accuracy in malaria testing.
- Compulsory Rapid Diagnostic Testing: The new program mandates compulsory rapid diagnostic testing (RDTs) before any malaria treatment is administered.
- Integration with Community Pharmacies and Private Hospitals: The program will integrate community pharmacies, patent medicine vendors, and private hospitals into the state’s malaria control network.
The Lagos State Government is working closely with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) to standardize treatment protocols across all healthcare providers.