NATIONAL MALARIA POLICY

A Policy provides strategies for the control and elimination of malaria through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance. It targets all Nigerians, especially children under five and pregnant women, along with healthcare workers and state programs. The policy aims to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality.

What Is This Policy?

Nigeria's overarching policy framework for the control and elimination of malaria, providing strategic direction for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of malaria across the country.

Who Does It Target?

All Nigerians, particularly children under 5 and pregnant women Healthcare workers at all levels State malaria control programmes Partner organisations, NGOs, and international donors

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Reduce malaria morbidity and mortality through universal access to prevention tools (insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying), prompt diagnosis, and effective treatment; and progress towards elimination.

Key Features

Insecticide-Treated Nets: Universal distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) to all households, prioritising children and pregnant women. Case Management: Promotes use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) as first-line treatment. Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention: Provides preventive antimalarials to children under 5 in the Sahel belt during peak transmission season. Surveillance and Data Use: Strengthens malaria surveillance to track transmission, detect outbreaks, and evaluate intervention impact.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active - NMEP coordinates implementation nationally Coverage: Nationwide, with prioritisation of high-burden states Beneficiaries: All Nigerians; particularly children under 5 and pregnant women Funding: Federal Government; PMI (US Government); Global Fund; GAVI; WHO

How to Access

Insecticide-treated nets available through mass distribution campaigns and health facilities ACT treatment available at primary health centres and hospitals Seek prompt testing and treatment at the nearest health facility upon fever onset Application method: Access malaria services at any government health facility.

Impact & Metrics

Significant reduction in malaria prevalence since the National Malaria Control Programme was established; over 100 million nets distributed nationally.

Official Resources

Website: https://www.nmep.gov.ng Contact: National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) / Federal Ministry of Health

Legal Framework

Operates under the National Health Act 2014, the National Malaria Control Programme framework, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency Act, and the Child Rights Act 2003. Draws on the WHO Global Malaria Programme guidelines, the Roll Back Malaria Partnership Action Plan, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria operational standards.