The Lagos State Government says malaria prevalence in the state has dropped significantly over the past 15 years, declining from 15 per cent in 2010 to about two per cent in 2025.
The State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, disclosed this on Tuesday at the 2026 Lagos State Ministerial Press Briefing in Ikeja, marking three years of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
Abayomi said the reduction was achieved through sustained health sector reforms, improved diagnostic systems, and policies aimed at discouraging the indiscriminate use of antimalarial drugs.
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He noted that although malaria cases had declined sharply, the disease remained a public health concern due to Lagos State’s large population.
According to him, the government has promoted evidence-based treatment approaches to reduce excessive medication and improve diagnosis and patient outcomes.
“These reforms are helping us to reduce unnecessary use of antimalarial medicines and curb what we describe as sledgehammer polypharmacy,” he said.
The commissioner also warned of growing concerns around antimicrobial resistance affecting treatments for parasitic, bacterial, and tuberculosis infections.
Despite the progress, Abayomi said Lagos is currently facing a significant shortage of healthcare workers, with about 7,000 doctors in the state against a required additional 30,000 doctors and 40,000 nurses.
He warned that the shortfall could lead to burnout among existing medical personnel.
To address the gap, he said the government has begun expanding the Lagos State University College of Medicine across Ikeja, Yaba, and Gbagada to increase training capacity.
The expansion will raise student capacity from 300 to about 1,600, alongside upgraded laboratories and academic facilities.
He also announced the completion of a 72-room residential facility for house officers at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, while staff quarters in Odan, Gbagada, and Ojo are nearing completion.
Abayomi said future health facilities in the state would include staff accommodation to improve welfare and productivity.
He added that major infrastructure projects, including the Massey Children’s Hospital and several general hospitals such as the 280-bed Iba-Ojo General Hospital, are progressing steadily.
The 1,500-bed Mental Health Institute in Ketu-Ejinrin, Epe, is also about 65 per cent completed.
In addition, 47 primary healthcare centres are currently being renovated across the state, with others already completed.
Abayomi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery, improving manpower development, and expanding access to quality healthcare services across Lagos State.
