Lagos Deploys Tech To Cut 900,000 Malaria Cases Below 1%

Lagos state authorities is leveraging digital innovation to sort out its 900,000 annual malaria circumstances, aiming to scale back malaria prevalence to under one % by means of the newly launched Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination & Digitization Program.

This groundbreaking initiative will improve illness surveillance, digitize case administration, and standardize therapy protocols throughout healthcare amenities.

The commissioner for Well being, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who disclosed this at a press briefing, in Lagos, emphasised that Lagos is already forward in malaria management, with a prevalence charge of beneath three % considerably decrease than the nationwide common.

Nonetheless, with an estimated 900,000 malaria circumstances yearly, the state is now taking a tech-driven method to eradicate the illness fully.

A key element of this initiative is the mixing of digital well being options to reinforce malaria surveillance and case administration. Partnering with Maisha Meds, a digital well being platform, Lagos will deploy real-time digital malaria reporting techniques throughout private and non-private healthcare amenities. This can guarantee correct information assortment, permitting for higher illness monitoring and response.

Moreover, fast diagnostic testing (RDTs) is now obligatory earlier than any malaria therapy is run. This measure goals to forestall misdiagnosis and pointless use of anti-malarial medication, a standard difficulty that contributes to drug resistance.

“Not each fever is malaria. Many fevers are attributable to bacterial or viral infections that require totally different therapies. With this initiative, we’re discouraging self-medication and inspiring Lagosians to get examined earlier than taking any medicine,” Abayomi acknowledged.

Recognizing {that a} important proportion of malaria therapies happen outdoors authorities hospitals, the Lagos state authorities is integrating neighborhood pharmacies, patent medication distributors, and personal hospitals into its malaria management community. Via partnerships with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the Nationwide Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP), therapy protocols might be standardized to make sure high quality care throughout all healthcare suppliers.

“Because of this whether or not a affected person seeks therapy at a public hospital, non-public clinic, or neighborhood pharmacy, they’ll obtain the identical high-quality malaria analysis and therapy primarily based on the state’s tips,” Abayomi famous.

To make sure affordability, malaria care might be included into Ilera Eko, Lagos State’s medical insurance scheme. Registered enrollees can have entry to malaria exams and coverings at little or no price, lowering monetary boundaries to correct care and inspiring immediate medical consideration.

Past expertise, this system emphasizes behavioral change, urging Lagosians to undertake a “test-before-treatment” mindset. Many residents self-diagnose malaria and buy medication with out correct testing, resulting in mistreatment of febrile diseases. The initiative will educate communities on malaria prevention, environmental hygiene, and correct use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.

“The period of claiming, ‘I believe I’ve malaria’ with out testing is over. Each fever needs to be examined first, and solely confirmed circumstances needs to be handled for malaria.” particular adviser to the Governor on Well being, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi added.

The official launch of the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination & Digitization Program is scheduled for March 4, 2025, at Eko Lodge, Lagos. The occasion might be attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Minister of Well being, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and representatives from the World Well being Group (WHO), World Financial institution, and NMEP.