By Ojotule Romanus
Kogi State Government, through the Ministry of Health, has officially flagged off the 2026 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign as part of its ongoing efforts to eliminate malaria and improve child health across the state.
Speaking during flag-off ceremony held in Government House, Lokoja, the Kogi State Coordinating Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adeiza, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing the burden of malaria among children.
Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Agency for the Control of AIDS , Dr. Monday, Ajodoh, he explained that seasonal malaria Chemoprevention involves the administration of antimalarial medicines—Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine and Amodiaquine (SPAQ)—to children aged 3 to 59 months during the peak malaria transmission season to prevent infection.
According to him, the intervention has proven to be safe and effective since its introduction in Kogi State in 2021, significantly improving the health and well-being of children across the state.
Dr. Adams noted that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has consistently provided the enabling environment and support required for the successful implementation of the programme, ensuring that every eligible child is protected against malaria.
He pointed out that the impact of the intervention is reflected in the findings of the 2025 National Malaria Indicator Survey, which showed a significant decline in malaria prevalence among children under five years in Kogi State, from 16 percent in 2021 to 8.9 percent in 2025.
The Commissioner further emphasized that the state’s ultimate goal is to achieve zero malaria prevalence and urge all stakeholders to intensify efforts toward realizing the set objective just as he appreciated development partners for their continued support through funding, capacity building, and the provision of resources needed for the implementation of the programme at both health facility and community levels.
He said, “You are the heroes of this campaign. I commend you for your hard work and resilience in ensuring that Kogi State performs well every year despite various challenges. I urge you to redouble your efforts so that together we can achieve zero malaria prevalence in the state.”
Also speaking, the State Programme Officer of Malaria Consortium, Dr. Stephen Ake desclosed that the initiative aligns with global standards for malaria prevention and elimination.
He stressed the importance of sustaining the programme just as he called on mothers and caregivers to cooperate with health workers by allowing their children to receive the medication.
“Open your doors and allow your children to receive these medicines. They are safe, free, and effective in preventing malaria,” he said.
Other health stakeholders who spoke at the event also encouraged parents and caregivers across the state’s local government areas and communities to ensure that eligible children aged 3 to 59 months receive the antimalarial medicines during the campaign period.
