Over 40,000 Kogi Children Infected by Malaria in 2024

Lokoja, Nigeria — The Malaria Consortium has raised alarm over the rising number of malaria cases among children in Kogi State, calling for strengthened awareness and intervention efforts.

This was revealed by the State Programme Manager of the Consortium, Okwulu Andrew, during the 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) media parley held on Tuesday in Lokoja.

Andrew disclosed that over 40,678 malaria cases were recorded in children under the age of five in 2024, with 683 severe cases and 12 recorded deaths. He emphasized that children aged 3–59 months remain the most vulnerable, hence the Consortium’s continued focus on prevention, treatment, and awareness campaigns.

Founded in 2003, the Malaria Consortium is an international non-profit organization working across Africa and Asia to reduce the burden of malaria and other communicable diseases through partnership with governments and local stakeholders.

In his remarks, Pharm. Rabiu Salihu Muhammed, Programme Manager of the Kogi State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), described the media parley as critical for reshaping public perception and promoting awareness of SMC objectives. He urged media professionals to partner with the Consortium to improve healthcare delivery and accountability.

Pharm. Muhammed cited security issues and flooding as major obstacles during programme implementation, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Also speaking, Orimodu Matthew, an ACSM/SBCC Specialist with SMEP, identified key operational challenges such as funding gaps, logistics bottlenecks, limited trained personnel, drug shortages, and community resistance. He stressed the need for enhanced public-private partnerships, technological tools for monitoring, and strengthened supply chains.

Matthew recommended strategies including the engagement of local leaders, community education, and incentives for health workers to improve SMC uptake and sustainability. He noted that media engagement is essential to foster community trust and encourage proactive participation.

The session ended with a call for collective responsibility to eliminate malaria and save young lives in Kogi and beyond.

By Makinde oyinkansola| July 15, 2025