🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Kwara State reduces malaria prevalence by half, identifies poor sanitation as a major transmission factor
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Kwara State Government announced a 50% reduction in malaria prevalence, decreasing from 26% to 13%. However, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, stated that poor environmental sanitation is responsible for approximately 60% of malaria transmission. This information was shared during the Kwara State Malaria Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation Quarterly Meeting and the inauguration of the State Malaria ACSM Working Group in Ilorin. Dr. Fakayode, represented by the State Malaria Control Coordinator, Dr. Kazeem Oladapo, emphasized that environmental conditions, including stagnant water, remain a primary driver of mosquito breeding and malaria cases. He urged policymakers and development partners to enhance collaboration and integrate environmental management with other preventive measures. Jeremiah Ngutor-Ulaa, Data Analyst for the Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics Jhpiego STOP Antimicrobial Drug Resistance Project, highlighted the importance of strengthened collaboration and improved health systems to eliminate malaria and prevent antimalarial drug resistance. The state's ACSM Desk Officer, Yemisi Ajala, noted climate, environmental, behavioral, and social factors as key drivers of transmission and praised the government's sustained interventions, such as mass distribution of Insecticide-Treated Nets, Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention, and the "Test, Treat, Track" policy, despite inconsistent use of
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Must ReadThe Federal Government plans to discontinue the policy separating Junior Secondary Schools JSS from Senior Secondary Schools SSS, following data indicating that over 20 million pupils dropped out before reaching the senior secondary level. Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa announced this decision in Abuja during the inauguration of the UBEC Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee. Alausa stated that the "disarticulation policy," which mandated separate operations for JSS and SSS with distinct principals and facilities, has not achieved its objectives. He highlighted that 20 million students drop out between primary school and JSS, and noted an imbalance of 80,000 public primary schools compared to only about 15,000 junior secondary schools, leading to JSS overcrowding and underutilized SSS facilities. The minister emphasized that the policy has failed and will be phased out, with a proposal to abolish it to be presented at the next National Council on Education meeting. This policy change aims to enhance access and improve learning outcomes. Additionally, Alausa inaugurated a committee, chaired by Prof. Rashid Aderinoye, to oversee UBEC-funded Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools, and Alternative Schools, ensuring their completion, handover to states, and operational readiness, as many remain unfinished or unused despite significant investment.
Must ReadEuropean development finance institutions have expanded their investment in Nigeria, announcing a new €20 million Nigeria Country Window and additional financing for infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, and small businesses. This announcement was made by the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS following the 10th Nigeria-European Union Business Forum in Abuja. European financiers stated that these new investments demonstrate growing confidence in Nigeria’s economic reforms and long-term growth prospects. The European Investment Bank reported signing over €500 million in financing for Nigeria in the past year across public and private sectors, with more investments expected. Loic Le Ruyet, Senior Investment Officer, Corporate Division, European Investment Bank, noted that the bank's portfolio includes sustainable transport, healthcare manufacturing, agriculture, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. The €20 million Nigeria Country Window, jointly implemented by FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, and the European Development Finance Institutions Management Company, is part of the European Union’s AgriFI and ElectriFI blended finance programs. This facility aims to channel financing to small and medium-sized enterprises in agribusiness and rural electrification, while mobilizing additional private capital. Edilberto Jose Baquero of FMO highlighted that this financing model addr
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the dredging of 28 additional primary drainage channels following recent flooding across the state. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that recent heavy rainfall was an extreme weather event that overwhelmed drainage infrastructure, causing temporary flooding in areas like Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, and Mafoluku. Wahab noted that Lagos faces complex hydrological challenges due to its extensive network of lagoons, rivers, creeks, and tidal water bodies, which slow stormwater discharge during high tide. He assured residents of continuous monitoring of drainage infrastructure and flood-prone locations, with emergency response agencies supporting affected communities. The commissioner urged residents to support flood control efforts by avoiding indiscriminate refuse dumping, illegal wetland reclamation, and construction on drainage alignments, warning that such activities worsen flooding. He highlighted that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of rainfall in coastal cities like Lagos. Wahab advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded roads and urged residents in flood-prone areas to comply with weather advisories. Recent heavy rainfall led to widespread outrage, with residents criticizing the government over recurring flooding that submerged major roads, stranded motorists, disrupted commercial activities, and left homes underwater across