By Rosemary Ameh, Sokoto
Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Wednesday flagged off the 2026 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to reducing the burden of malaria and protecting children across the state.
Speaking at the ceremony in Wamakko Local Government Area (LGA), the governor commended the State Ministry of Health, the State Malaria Elimination Agency, the National Malaria Elimination Programme, and Malaria Consortium for sustaining the annual life-saving intervention.
He also praised traditional and religious leaders, local government Chairmen, and the thousands of community drug distributors for their role in ensuring that anti-malaria medicines reach eligible children.
Aliyu described malaria as one of the leading public health challenges in the state, particularly during the rainy season when mosquito breeding increases, leading to a rise in infections and preventable deaths among children.
The SMC programme has consistently proven effective by providing monthly doses of anti-malarial medicines to children aged between three and 59 months during the peak transmission season, he said.
According to the governor, the intervention can reduce malaria cases by as much as 75 per cent, resulting in fewer hospital admissions and lower child mortality.
Aliyu also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in strengthening efforts to combat malaria and other diseases while improving the overall wellbeing of Nigerians.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Wurno, said the health sector remains a major priority under the governor’s Nine Point Smart Agenda, noting that significant progress has been recorded in healthcare delivery across the state.
He said investments in health infrastructure, manpower development and service delivery had led to remarkable improvements in the state’s health indices.
“Our infrastructure has improved, our health workforce is stronger, and healthcare services at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels have witnessed significant progress,” Wurno said.
The Commissioner assured the governor that the Ministry and its agencies would continue implementing policies and programmes aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for residents.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the District Head of Wamakko, Alhaji Ahmed Barade, commended Gov. Aliyu for prioritising healthcare and pledged the continued support of the traditional institution.
He said traditional rulers would continue to mobilise communities to ensure widespread participation in the seasonal malaria prevention campaign.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Officials at the flag-off.
