In line with its renewed commitment to eradicate malaria, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through the FCT Malaria Elimination Programme (FCTMEP) of the Public Health Department, joined the rest of the global health community to commemorate the 2025 World Malaria Day with impactful outreach activities in Asokoro and Kuchigoro communities. The dual event, held on April 25, 2025, aligned with this year’s global theme, "Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest. Reimagine. Reignite," calling for renewed action and investment to end malaria.
The commemoration was formally flagged off at Asokoro General Hospital by the Honourable Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, alongside key partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Malaria Consortium, FAMKRIS Healthcare Initiative, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), royal fathers, and other stakeholders. In her keynote address, Dr. Fasawe reaffirmed the Administration’s determination to stamp out malaria, noting that the disease remains a major cause of illness and death, particularly in rural and underserved areas. She emphasized the need to reinvest in health systems, reimagine innovative solutions, and reignite the collective national commitment to eradicate malaria.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Baba Gana Adam, welcomed participants and stressed the importance of community action against malaria. He highlighted FCTA's efforts, including the new partnership with FAMKRIS, which ensures free antimalarial drugs in health facilities across the FCT. Dr. Adam called on residents to maintain clean environments, consistently use insecticide-treated nets, and seek early testing and treatment.
The event featured several major highlights, including the distribution of over 500 insecticide-treated nets to attendees, free malaria testing and treatment for all participants, and the special distribution of delivery packs to pregnant women. In addition, an immunization stand was set up to provide vaccination services, while the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) operated an information stand to educate residents on available healthcare coverage options.
Immediately after the flag-off, the Program Manager of FCTMEP, Hajia Zainab Ibrahim, led her team to Kuchigoro community along Airport Road, where they continued the outreach by providing free malaria tests, treatment, and net distribution to hundreds of residents. The massive turnout and enthusiastic participation from the community underscored the success of taking malaria interventions directly to the grassroots.
The 2025 World Malaria Day celebration in the FCT stands as a powerful testame.
ADEOLA KUNLE
