The Anambra Civil Society Organizations’ Network (ACSONet) has called for sustained and coordinated efforts to eliminate malaria across the country.
ACSONet, a foremost Citizen advocacy group, made the call in a statement to commemorate the 2025 World Malaria Day.
The statement signed by Prince Chris Azor, ACSONet Coordinator, described collaboration as critical to achieving malaria eradication.
Dissecting the theme for 2025, “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” Prince Azor called for progressive synergy between government, NGOs, private sector, communities and individuals.
“Malaria has continued to claim thousands of lives annually, particularly among children under five and pregnant women”.
“Citizens, communities, the private sector, and public institutions have critical role to play in eradicating it”.
Azor, a member of the Primary Health Care Task Force in Anambra, called on all Nigerians to adopt simple but effective preventive measures.
He listed the measures as: consistent use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs), and elimination of stagnant water sources.
Others include: environmental cleanliness, and timely access to professional medical care rather than engaging in dangerous self-medication practices.
He noted that ACSONet has sustained partnership with traditional rulers, Presidents General and other stakeholders to drive grassroots awareness and promote healthy living across Anambra communities.
ACSONet wide network cuts across Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs), women groups, youth bodies, labour unions, artisans, and market leaders.
Call for reinvestment in malaria control
The civil society activist appealed to all tiers of government to reinvest in malaria control programmes and improve access to primary healthcare services.
“Government should equally ensure regular supply of malaria commodities such as rapid diagnostic test kits (RDTs), antimalarial drugs, and insecticide-treated nets”.
He urged schools, religious institutions, media outlets, and community leaders to support the malaria control programme through their various platforms.
“They should engage in activities that inform and empower citizens to make healthier choices.
“Together, let’s reimagine a malaria-free Nigeria. The fight begins with each one of us,” Prince Azor concluded.
