Activities marking *World Malaria Day 2026* were successfully held in Plateau State through a coordinated multi-stakeholder effort involving government, development partners, and professional bodies, including the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN), Plateau State Branch.
The activities, supported by the Plateau State Government, commenced with an environmental sanitation exercise and continued with a health walk, symposium, and a free medical outreach in Jos South Local Government Area.
The health walk, held on April 25, began from the Air Force Roundabout to Crystal Hall, Crispan Suites, where a symposium was convened to review progress toward malaria elimination in the state. Speaking at the event, the State Programme Coordinator of the Malaria Elimination Programme, *Nurse Kizito Ndak,* commended the collective efforts of government and partners, noting a *significant reduction in malaria prevalence from 18.8% in 2021 to 2.8% in 2025.*
The keynote address was delivered by *Dr. Elijah Otokpa,* Financial Secretary of APHPN Plateau State Branch, who called for sustained commitment toward malaria elimination in line with this year’s theme, *“Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”* Goodwill messages were delivered by key partners, including the Project Coordinator of Malaria Consortium, *Dr. Mbwas Mashor*, alongside other stakeholders.
Dignitaries at the event included the *Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong;* the *Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo,* represented by the CMD of the Plateau State Hospital Management Board, *Dr. Sumi Benjamin*; Directors from the Ministry of Health; Chief Medical Directors of health institutions; the World Health Organization (WHO); and other partners and stakeholders.
Alongside the symposium, a free medical outreach was conducted at Mai-Adiko Primary Health Centre, actively coordinated by APHPN under the leadership of its Chairman, *Prof. Chundung Miner.* Over 200 community members benefited from integrated health services, including medical consultations, malaria rapid diagnostic testing, HIV testing services, tuberculosis screening, blood glucose testing, and immunization support. These services were delivered through the combined efforts of partners such as Fidson, Codix/Biosensor, APIN, COIN, ACETS, JUMSA members, PHC staff, and the Jos South LGA immunization team.
The successful implementation of the activities highlights the importance of sustained collaboration, community engagement, and evidence-based interventions in advancing malaria control and improving health outcomes in Plateau State.
In the months ahead, APHPN Plateau will continue to play a key role in ensuring that health indices within the state improve remarkably and citizens enjoy better healthcare
*Dr. Onyike Abraham Onyike*
*PRO, APHPN*
*Plateau State Branch*
