Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has flagged off the 2026 Integrated Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) and Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN) Campaign in Adamawa State, aimed at reducing the burden of malaria across the state.
The campaign is expected to benefit over 1.15 million residents through the distribution of 2.583 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Additionally, 4.5 million doses of anti-malaria medicines have been procured for children aged between 3 and 59 months under the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention programme.
Representing Governor Fintiri at the launch, the Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, described the event as a significant milestone in the state’s collective efforts to combat malaria, a disease that continues to pose a major public health challenge, especially among children under five years of age and pregnant women.
She noted that malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa, stressing that the government recognizes its devastating impact on families and communities and remains committed to implementing effective and sustainable interventions.
“The success of malaria control efforts relies heavily on strong partnerships,” Farauta said.
She commended implementing partners, including the Society for Family Health (SFH), Management Sciences for Health (MSH), and Catholic Relief Services (CRS), for their unwavering support and collaboration.
According to her, the partners have played critical roles in supporting malaria prevention and control initiatives through interventions such as insecticide-treated net distribution, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, health systems strengthening, and community engagement programmes.
Farauta called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, healthcare workers, and the media to support the initiative through sustained mobilization and awareness campaigns.
“To our mothers and caregivers, I urge you to ensure that your children receive all doses of the SMC medicines and that your households consistently use the insecticide-treated nets provided,” she said.
The Deputy Governor also commended the National and State Malaria Elimination Programmes, frontline health workers, and development partners for their dedication and commitment to the fight against malaria.
“As a government, we remain resolute in strengthening our healthcare system and ensuring a malaria-free Adamawa State,” she added.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Chubado Mohammed, and the Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (PHCDA), Dr. Suleiman Saidu Bashir, commended both the Federal and State Governments for the initiative, describing it as a vital step toward improving health outcomes.
Also speaking, the Programme Manager of the State Malaria Elimination Programme, Benjamin Nashon, lauded the state government’s sustained commitment to eliminating malaria in Adamawa State.
