As the world prepares to commemorate World Mosquito Day on August 20, 2026, the #EndMalariaInNigeria campaign calls on the Federal Government, State Governments, Local Government Councils, development partners, the private sector, and all Nigerians to place vector control at the centre of Nigeria’s malaria elimination strategy.

World Mosquito Day reminds us of the scientific breakthrough that established the mosquito as the vector responsible for transmitting malaria. More than a century later, malaria remains one of Nigeria’s greatest public health challenges. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria accounts for approximately 27% of global malaria cases and over 30% of global malaria deaths, with more than 180,000 Nigerians dying from malaria every year. Most of these deaths are among children under five years of age and pregnant women.

Despite significant investments in diagnosis and treatment, malaria will remain a national burden unless Nigeria adopts a more aggressive and sustainable approach to controlling mosquito populations.

As we mark World Mosquito Day, #EndMalariaInNigeria urges governments at all levels to invest in proven vector control measures, including:

• Elimination of mosquito breeding sites through environmental management.
• Construction and maintenance of effective drainage systems to prevent stagnant water.
• Scientific urban waste management and an end to indiscriminate open dumping of refuse.
• Proper planning and management of dams and irrigation projects to minimize mosquito breeding.
• Expansion of larval source management, including routine larviciding where appropriate.
• Wider implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), combining environmental sanitation, biological control, indoor residual spraying, and community participation.
• Increased investment in public education and sustained environmental sanitation campaigns.

The fight against malaria cannot be won by treatment alone. Every mosquito breeding site eliminated is a step towards saving lives, reducing healthcare costs, improving productivity, and strengthening Nigeria’s economy.

As we commemorate World Mosquito Day 2026, let us move beyond awareness to decisive action. We call on all stakeholders to unite behind a comprehensive national vector control programme that will protect millions of Nigerians from preventable illness and death.

Together, we can end malaria by defeating the mosquito.

Francis Nwapa 

Convener: #EndMalariaInNigeria

#EndMalariaInNigeria