The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has through its Health Services and Environment Secretariat said Nigeria is responsible for 27 percent of global malaria prevalence, while the FCT is responsible for 5 percent.
These disclosures were made Tuesday in Abuja at the flag off of unbundling and distribution of malaria drugs and free test kits.
While briefing the press after the ceremony, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, said malaria remains a killer of children under five and women.
“Only one thing causes malaria, which is mosquito. If we can eliminate mosquitoes, we can eliminate malaria. However, the network of roads provided by the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike have provided access to communities during emergencies.
“Today, we have taken a decisive and deliberate action to fight malaria. Malaria remains a leading cause of death among children under five and women.
“Nigeria is responsible for 27 percent of global malaria prevalence, the highest figure in the world. A survey carried out by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2024 says 1.4 million people of the population of FCT suffer from malaria. The FCT is between 5 to 6 million population making it 5 percent of malaria prevalence.”
Fasawe said Wike paid up the counterpart funding for FCT last year which enabled them to participate in the programme this year.