FCTA’s free malaria drug initiative sparks controversy

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced distributing free malaria drugs and test kits to curb malaria in Abuja.

Mandate Secretary of Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, disclosed this during the launch on Tuesday.

She described the two-year initiative as a “decisive and deliberate” step in eliminating malaria from the FCT.

Dr. Fasawe noted that FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, paid the 2024 counterpart fund, ensuring the FCT’s participation in the 2025 malaria programme.

She emphasized that malaria remains a major public health threat, killing a child in Nigeria every minute.

According to her, eliminating malaria is a “fight for life,” requiring collective efforts from all stakeholders.

She revealed that the FCT government had mapped out strategies to eradicate malaria in the territory and across Nigeria.

Malaria is the leading cause of death among women and children under five years old in the country.

Dr. Fasawe stated that Nigeria accounts for 27% of global malaria cases, making it the worst-affected country worldwide.

She cited a 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) survey showing 1.4 million residents of the FCT suffer from malaria.

“This represents a five percent malaria prevalence rate. The only cause of malaria is mosquitoes,” she said.

“If we can eliminate mosquitoes, we can eliminate malaria,” Dr. Fasawe added.

The FCTA has distributed all malaria drugs and test kits to public health facilities across the territory.

She warned that any health facility caught selling the free malaria drugs would face strict sanctions.

Insecticide-treated nets have also been provided for pregnant women and nursing mothers to curb infections.

Acting Permanent Secretary, Abubakar Ahmadu, said the initiative would enhance malaria care access and ease financial burdens.

Ahmadu urged healthcare workers to use the kits and drugs responsibly to maximize impact.

He emphasized the need for strict compliance with distribution guidelines to prevent misuse of resources.

Maureen Ugochukwu of Famkris Healthcare Initiative described malaria as Nigeria’s most pressing health challenge.

She noted that malaria drains household incomes and affects business productivity across the country.

According to Ugochukwu, malaria control requires consistent interventions and proactive government policies.

She commended the FCTA’s commitment, stressing the need for sustainability in malaria eradication efforts.

Malaria remains a leading cause of hospital admissions and economic losses in Nigeria.

Experts recommend nationwide mosquito control measures to curb the spread of the disease.

With sustained efforts, malaria elimination in the FCT and Nigeria is achievable.

But the fact still remain that mosquitoes can never be eliminated permanently.

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