Activities marking *World Malaria Day 2026* in Plateau State commenced today with a sanitation exercise in Mai Adiko Community, Rayfield, Jos South Local Government Area. The exercise serves as a prelude to the state-wide sanitation exercise scheduled for tomorrow by the Plateau State Government.
The sanitation exercise, which began at 8:00 a.m., involved the clearing of indiscriminately disposed waste within the community to a central open dump site. The waste was subsequently evacuated by trucks from the Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA).
Stakeholders observed significant environmental health concerns, as the dump site was located at the base of rocky areas reportedly used for open defecation and within the premises of an unfenced primary school. Following an on-site assessment, stakeholders resolved to intensify community sensitization on the health risks associated with poor waste disposal practices, including increased malaria transmission. Additional resolutions included the provision of a Dino bin, fencing of the school premises, and engagement with community leaders to ensure sustained compliance and improved environmental sanitation.
Dignitaries present at the event included Directors-General and State Programme Coordinators of various agencies and programmes within the state, the Plateau State Director of Public Health, Dr. Mafwalal Bunah Masok, the Chairman of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN) Plateau State Branch, Prof. Chundung Miner, the community leader, Da Michael Nyam Sila, and several other government officials.
