By Sandra Kenneth
The Rivers State Government has recorded a significant decline in malaria prevalence, with the state’s infection rate dropping from 13 percent to 8.8 percent, largely due to increased public awareness and the growing usage of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, disclosed this during an advocacy visit by Shaun Walsh, the Programme Director of the UK-based Against Malaria Foundation (AMF).
Dr. Wachukwu noted that despite the progress, Rivers State remains a malaria-endemic region owing to its rainforest climate. He expressed optimism that an upcoming mass distribution campaign would further slash infection rates, assuring that the state government will collaborate closely with AMF to ensure the nets reach households across all local government areas.
“Pregnant women and children will be given top priority during the distribution due to their high vulnerability to the severe effects of malaria,” Dr. Wachukwu said, adding that a household-based enumeration process will be deployed to ensure accurate planning and equitable delivery.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Shaun Walsh revealed that the Against Malaria Foundation has committed $60 million to support six African states that previously lacked funding for mass malaria prevention campaigns. He stated that Rivers State was selected as the first beneficiary due to its high malaria burden.
Walsh explained that AMF plans to deliver the mosquito nets to Rivers State by May 2027, ahead of the peak rainy season in July. The 2027 initiative will feature digital household registration, real-time tracking of net supplies, and independent monitoring conducted before, during, and after the distribution exercise.
