World Malaria Day: Enugu cuts prevalence to 9.9%, offers free testing, treatment

…as ECEWS insures over 1,000 pregnant women

By Chinedu Adonu

The Enugu State Government says it has recorded significant progress in the fight against malaria, reducing the state’s prevalence rate from about 24 per cent to 9.9 per cent.

The State Commissioner for Health, George Ugwu, disclosed this in Enugu during activities marking World Malaria Day, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening public health outcomes.

Ugwu said malaria testing and treatment have been made free across all 527 public health facilities in the state’s 17 local government areas.

“We have ensured that malaria testing and treatment are provided free of charge in all our health facilities,” he said. “This is part of our broader effort to eliminate malaria in Enugu State.”

He described the 2026 theme, “Driven to End Malaria: We Can, We Must End Malaria,” as timely, noting that it aligns with the state’s intensified response to the disease.

The commissioner also commended development partners, particularly Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), for sustained support—especially in expanding access to care for vulnerable groups.

Chief Executive Officer of ECEWS in Nigeria, Andy Eyo, said the organisation has scaled up malaria services across the state.

“Services are now available in health facilities across Enugu State, enabling residents to access free testing and treatment,” Eyo said.

He explained that the intervention is implemented in partnership with the National Malaria Elimination Programme, with funding support from the Islamic Development Bank, in collaboration with the state government.

Eyo added that the organisation has enrolled over 1,000 pregnant women in a health insurance scheme aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes.

“Our board and management approved health insurance coverage for 1,000 pregnant women. We are paying their premiums, enabling them to access antenatal care, deliver in hospitals, and receive malaria prevention and treatment services at no cost,” he said.