Aliyu flags off 2026 seasonal malaria prevention campaign

From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto

Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto flagged off the 2026 seasonal malaria prevention campaign, reiterating his unwavering commitment to reducing the burden of malaria.

Speaking on Wednesday, in Wamakko, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto commended the State Commissioner of Health, Sokoto State Malaria Elimination Agency, partners, the National Malaria Elimination Programme, Abuja and Malaria Consortium for sustaining this life-saving prevention yearly.

He said, “I also thank the traditional religious leaders, local government chairmen, and our dedicated mass drug distributors who go from house to house to administer these drugs to the targeted children.

“It is a well-known fact that malaria continues to be a major public health challenge, especially during the rainy season when mosquitoes breeding grounds become rampant, as a result of which cases of malaria become common and oftentimes claims the lives of our children.

“The seasonal malaria chemo prevention strategy has proven to work by giving monthly doses of anti-malaria vaccines to children aged 3 to 59 months during the peak rainy season.

“We can reduce malaria cases by up to 75%, that means fewer hospital visits.”

The Governor also applauded the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards reducing the burden of malaria and other diseases, as well as the general wellbeing of the people of the country.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Health, Dr Faruk Wurno, said that the health sector is highly prioritized on the 9-Point Smart Agenda of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto.

According to him, the health sector is now driven with a lot of positive outcomes all over the state,.adding that the state’s health indices have changed tremendously.

He added, “Our infrastructure are better, our health manpower are excellent and also our services are also excellent across the tertiary secondary.”

Dr. Faruk Wurno assured the Governor that the Ministry of Health and the its agencies remain focused and committed to implementing the best approach and the best policies that will continue to yield positive results in all level at all levels.

Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Wamakko, Alhaji Ahmed Barade, extolled the unwavering commitment of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto to boosting healthcare services in the state.

Pledging sustained support to all the programmes and policies of the state government, the Sultan vowed to fully to mobilize the citizens of the state to participate in the exercise.