19/09/2025
The Malaria Consortium, in collaboration with the Plateau State Government, recently held a review meeting for the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) program. The meeting aimed to assess the progress of the program's fourth cycle in 2025 and discuss strategies for improvement. The SMC program is a vital intervention that involves community drug distributors administering malaria medication to children under five years old to prevent malaria attacks. The program has been implemented across all wards in Plateau State, with over 12,000 ad-hoc staff, 7,000 community drug distributors, and 1,400 health workers involved.
Nurse Ndak Zuhumnan, the project Coordinator, Plateau State Malaria Elimination Program, expressed gratitude to the Plateau State Government for its unwavering support in the distribution of malaria medications.
He also extended his appreciation to the Malaria Consortium, under the leadership of Dr. Mbwas Mashor, for their crucial role in availing the medications and supporting the program's implementation. He noted that the review meeting was crucial in identifying gaps and filling them to ensure that every child is reached with the life-saving medication.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr. Bitrus Kello Hosea, representing the Commissioner, emphasized that the gathering was aimed at weighing the successes and gaps in the program. He attributed the successes recorded so far to the attention given to the Ministry of Health by the state governor.
Other stakeholders, including Mr. Nanyak Ladan, Director, Plateau State Primary Health Care Board, Jos, and Dr. Mufwalang Masok, Director, Public Health, Plateau State Ministry of Health, expressed delight at the progress made in reaching every community and eliminating the burden of malaria.
Mr. Izang Victor Magaji, Malaria Focal Person for Mangu Local Government, and Mrs. Salamatu Dakat, assured that the SMC program had proven successful due to constant supervision from the state government and partners. They applauded the government for providing all necessary support, including security, logistics, and other essential aspects, to ensure the program's success.
The review meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to share ideas, discuss challenges, and strategize on how to improve the program's effectiveness. With Plateau State having emerged first in the activity last year, the meeting was a significant step towards sustaining the momentum and achieving the program's objectives.
Stephanie Amali. Prime TV News.