Kwara targets 700,000 children for malaria prevention drugs
In a bid to combat malaria among infants, the Kwara State Government has announced its dedication to administering Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) drugs to 700,000 children across the state.
At the launch of the 2025 SMC campaign at the Children’s Specialist Hospital in Igboro, Ilorin, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, stated, “We are set to distribute these life-saving drugs to children aged 3 to 59 months in at least 11 Local Government Areas.”
Dr. El-Imam emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to eliminate malaria in the state in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) and with support from the Global Fund. “Kwara has fulfilled its financial commitments, alongside 20 other participating states,” she added.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Dr. El-Imam remarked, “Malaria continues to pose a severe health challenge, particularly affecting our children under five and pregnant women, which places immense pressure on families and our healthcare systems.”
She described the SMC as a tested and vital intervention, stating, “Administering preventive treatments during peak seasons can significantly reduce malaria-related illnesses and deaths among children.”
Dr. El-Imam also urged community involvement: “The success of this campaign greatly depends on community engagement. I call upon traditional rulers, parents, and caregivers to ensure children are available to receive treatment as scheduled.”
She encouraged mothers to maintain clean environments and use insecticide-treated mosquito nets as part of prevention efforts.
Hon. Nuhu Majeed Podo, Chairman of Ilorin South Local Government, assured the public, “The SMC initiative poses no harm, and we will distribute the drugs through house-to-house visits. Please cooperate with the government in this vital effort.”
Dr. Taoheed Abdullahi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, expressed gratitude to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his ongoing support in the health sector, noting that the SMC program will run for four months with trained personnel delivering the drugs directly to households.
Mrs. Eunice Akinyemi, a representative from the National Malaria Elimination Programme, praised the Kwara State Government’s commitment to public welfare. “It is essential for pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics for preventive treatment, and caregivers must ensure that the drugs are properly administered for maximum effectiveness,” she urged.
