By Praise Chinecherem
As Nigeria joins the global community in commemorating World Malaria Day 2025, the Anambra Civil Society Organizations’ Network (ACSONet) a foremost Citizen advocacy group has called for sustained and coordinated efforts to eliminate malaria in Anambra State and across the country.
With this year’s theme, “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” ACSONet emphasized the critical role of Citizens, Communities, the Private Sector, and public institutions in eradicating malaria – a disease that continues to claim thousands of lives annually, particularly among children under five and pregnant women.
In a statement, Prince Chris Azor, ACSONet Coordinator and a member of the Primary Health Care Task Force in Anambra State, called on Ndi Anambra and all Nigerians to adopt simple yet effective preventive measures.
These include consistent use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs), elimination of stagnant water sources, environmental cleanliness, and timely access to professional medical care rather than engaging in dangerous self-medication practices.
Prince Azor noted that the group, through its wide network of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs), women groups, youth bodies, labour unions, artisans, and market leaders, continues to partner with traditional rulers, Presidents General and other stakeholders to drive grassroots awareness and promote healthy living across communities.
ACSONet is also calling on government at all levels to reinvest in malaria control programmes, improve access to primary healthcare services, and ensure regular supply of malaria commodities such as rapid diagnostic test kits (RDTs), antimalarial drugs, and insecticide-treated nets.
As part of the ongoing sensitization for World Malaria Day, ACSONet urges schools, religious institutions, media outlets, and community leaders to engage in activities that inform and empower citizens to make healthier choices.
Together, let’s reimagine a malaria-free Nigeria. The fight begins with each one of us.
