The 2017 World Malaria Day celebration which was organized by the ministry of health and the roll back malaria partners in Abuja, kicked off with a road walk which ended at the Barcelona hotel, venue for the World Malaria day celebration.

A welcome address was delivered by the Director of Public Health Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Dr. Evelyn Ngige, after which a short speech was given by Dr. OKey Akpa, the chairman of the day. He stated that there has been a reduction in the prevalence of malaria, especially in the case of under 5 children however more needs to be done. He added that for the nation to reach its desired goal to end malaria, all hands must be on deck and this includes the media, policy makers, medical practitioners, pharmaceuticals etc.

The permanent secretary FMOH encouraged everyone to adopt the change mantra of the country even in the fight against malaria.

Goodwill messages were received from representatives of partner organizations. The WHO representative asked Nigerians to see the celebration as a means to affirm their commitment to making Nigeria malaria free. It is recommended that children under age 5 should sleep under long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) as a preventive measure.

While delivering their message, Exxon Mobil mentioned that a 163 million naira grant as well as 14 million bed nets have been committed to the fight to end malaria. Reckitt Benckiser in their remarks talked about the role of sanitation and good hygiene practices in the prevention of malaria.

Minister of Health Prof. Isaac F. Adewole appreciated the work of donors and partners in the fight against malaria. He emphasized the need for patients to ‘’challenge our health providers to test before administering malaria drugs, say no to chloroquine and Artemisinin monotherapy and that pregnant women should ask for their sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine’’.

In conclusion, the Minister of Health promoted the production of the Long Lasting Insecticidal net which is made in Aba, Nigeria ‘’our vision is to see every Nigerian sleeping under a net to stop malaria for good’’.