The Enugu State Government has set a new target of reducing malaria parasite prevalence to below five per cent as part of its ongoing malaria elimination programme.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, announced the target in Enugu during a press briefing to mark the 2026 World Malaria Day.

Ugwu said the state’s progress, which saw malaria prevalence drop to 9.9 per cent in 2025, was commendable but not sufficient, stressing the need for sustained and intensified interventions.

“There is room for further action and reduction to below five per cent in the years to come,” he said.

He described malaria as one of the deadliest parasitic diseases and a leading cause of illness and death in the state, particularly among children under five and pregnant women.

According to him, the government has stepped up its response through free diagnosis, treatment, distribution of preventive tools, and expanded community-based interventions.

This year’s theme, “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must,” he said, reflects the urgency of the global and local response.

“For the first time in history, the tools, science and strategies to eliminate malaria are within our reach.

“Now we can, because we have the capacity, vaccines, diagnostics and proven interventions. Now we must, because malaria does not wait—when interventions slow, it resurges and lives are lost,” he added.

Ugwu said Governor Peter Mbah had prioritised malaria elimination, leading to the expansion of free malaria testing and treatment across more than 500 health facilities in the state.

He added that the ministry had strengthened access to rapid diagnostic testing and first-line treatment therapies, while integrating malaria services into primary healthcare.

He also announced that 1,000 pregnant women would be enrolled in the state health insurance scheme as part of activities marking this year’s commemoration.

“This is to protect mothers and babies while expanding access to essential healthcare services,” he said.

Ugwu further disclosed that outstanding health workers would be recognised for their contributions to malaria control, alongside ongoing community sensitisation and outreach programmes.

The state government commended development partners including ECEWS, Jhpiego, WHO, UNICEF and media organisations for their support in malaria control efforts.

Earlier, the Programme Coordinator of the State Malaria Elimination Programme, Dr Ifeoma Otiji, urged stakeholders to renew commitment toward achieving malaria elimination.

She encouraged residents to take advantage of ongoing free testing and treatment services, noting that not all fevers are caused by malaria.

Otiji also stressed the importance of preventive measures such as sleeping under insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and environmental sanitation to eliminate stagnant water.

She added that early testing and completion of treatment remain critical to reducing transmission, saying collective action is key to achieving a malaria-free state.

Activities marking the day included a roadshow across parts of the state capital, with distribution of informational materials promoting free testing and treatment services.