The Plateau State Government, in collaboration with key health partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Malaria Consortium, has officially flagged off a joint health campaign to commemorate the 2025 World Malaria Day, Africa Vaccination Week, and the National Immunization Plus Days. The combined event, held at Crystal Hall, Crispan Hotel in Rayfield, Jos.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, led the opening with a strong message advocating for a more integrated health approach across Plateau State. He stressed the importance of sector-wide coordination, where women and children can access multiple health services—such as antenatal care, vaccination, and malaria treatment—under one roof. He also expressed gratitude to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and First Lady Barr. Helen Mutfwang for their continuous commitment to healthcare development, as well as to partners and frontline health workers for their critical roles in implementing the state’s health agenda.
Highlighting the state’s progress, Professor E. Envuladu revealed that malaria prevalence in Plateau has decreased from 23% in 2018 to 15% in 2024. She attributed this success to sustained efforts like distribution of insecticide-treated nets, seasonal malaria prevention, and community engagement. She advocated for the adoption of new tools, such as the malaria vaccine, and called for sustained investment in research, strong health systems, and inclusive public health education.
Officially launching the integrated campaign, First Lady Helen Mutfwang described the joint initiative as a major step towards achieving better health outcomes through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP), which ensures unified planning, budgeting, and implementation. She flagged off the 2025 National Immunization Plus Days scheduled for April 26–29, where health workers will conduct house-to-house vaccinations for children aged 0–5 years. She also noted that African Vaccination Week, which began April 24, targets hard-to-reach communities in five local government areas including Jos East, Bassa, and Langtang South.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s World Malaria Day, “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” Mrs. Mutfwang urged residents to actively participate in malaria prevention efforts through the use of treated mosquito nets, environmental cleanliness, and early treatment. She highlighted Plateau State’s success in achieving 96% household net coverage during the 2024 distribution, with 93% net availability verified by E-Health Africa.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Caroline Panglang Dafur, appealed to mothers across Plateau to take advantage of free malaria testing and ensure children receive their vaccinations. She assured that the health outreach would reach grassroots communities.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Lucienne Dempouo, WHO/Polio NEOC Representative, praised Plateau State’s gains in immunization and malaria control. She encouraged a continued inclusive approach to healthcare delivery to ensure no child is left behind.
Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Nanbol Listick, emphasized the role of preventive healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition in improving community health. He pledged legislative support for increased funding and better infrastructure for the state’s health sector.
Dr. Patrick Akor, representing UNICEF, reported the vaccination of 36,970 children and the procurement of over 1.4 million vaccine doses for Plateau. He called for stronger government investment, security support, and parental commitment to child immunization, especially in remote areas.
Also speaking, Dr. Mbwas, State Coordinator of the Malaria Consortium, reported that over four million children have benefited from seasonal malaria prevention interventions in Plateau State since 2021. He reaffirmed the organization’s support and stated that a malaria-free Plateau is achievable through collective effort.
The event underscored a unified commitment across government, health partners, and communities to tackle preventable diseases and improve health outcomes in Plateau State.
