Benue govt intensifies malaria fight, plans expanded 2026 Child Protection Campaign

By James Ike

The Benue State Government has stepped up efforts to curb malaria, reaffirming its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable groups through strengthened partnerships and sustained health interventions ahead of the 2026 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, stated this in Makurdi during a stakeholders’ engagement workshop convened to strategize for the rollout of the campaign.

He described malaria as a major public health concern in the state, particularly among children under five years and pregnant women, stressing that intensified efforts are needed to further reduce its impact.

“Malaria remains a significant health burden in Benue, especially for children and pregnant women.

The Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention campaign has proven effective over the years, and we must continue to strengthen it to achieve better outcomes,” Ogwuche said.

The Commissioner assured that the state government would provide necessary support, including counterpart funding and policy backing, to ensure the success of the 2026 exercise.

He praised development partner, PATH, for its continued technical and financial support, noting that the collaboration has significantly improved malaria control outcomes in the state.

According to him, “Our partnership with PATH has remained critical in driving these interventions. Their support has helped us reach more communities and save lives.”

Dr. Ogwuche also emphasized the need for improved coordination, directing the Director of Public Health to sustain close engagement with partners and ensure regular reporting to enhance transparency and accountability.

He further commended Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for his commitment to the health sector, noting that the administration’s support has strengthened service delivery across the state.

As part of broader strategies to tackle malaria across all age groups, the government disclosed plans to embark on another round of mass distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in 2026, following the last exercise conducted between 2023 and 2024.

The state is also intensifying community sensitization through health dialogues aimed at promoting the use of ITNs and encouraging proper environmental practices to prevent mosquito breeding.

In addition, traditional and religious leaders are being actively engaged to drive community acceptance and ownership of malaria prevention initiatives.

The government said its sustained interventions are already producing results, with malaria prevalence dropping from 17.6 percent in 2021 to 11.0 percent in 2025.

Officials attributed the decline to key programmes such as ITN distribution campaigns, SMC implementation, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women, and free malaria testing and treatment available in 434 health facilities across the state’s 23 local government areas.

Calling for collective responsibility, the Commissioner urged stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the planning process to ensure a successful rollout.

“We must all play our part in developing and implementing strategies that will further reduce malaria cases and protect our communities,” he said.

The workshop marks a critical step in the state’s renewed push to reduce malaria-related illnesses and deaths, particularly among young children who remain the most at risk.