Nigeria’s malaria burden continues to rise, with at least 24.47 million cases reported between January and September 2025, according to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The 2025 National Health Statistics Report shows a steady increase in the number of people presenting with fever and undergoing malaria screening through rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy. As one of the world’s most malaria‑endemic nations, Nigeria faces significant structural health challenges, including delayed health‑seeking behavior and inadequate access to quality medical services. Public health specialists attribute the escalating trend in infections to these factors, compounded by a prolonged rainy season that supports mosquito breeding.
The report documents that 34.8 million malaria tests were conducted from January to September 2025—10.5 million in the first quarter, 11.4 million in the second quarter, and 12.8 million in the third quarter. Positive cases followed a similar trajectory, with 7.3 million in the first quarter, 7.8 million in the second quarter, and 9.3 million in the third quarter. Correspondingly, the caseload for malaria treatment rose, with 23.85 million Nigerians receiving Artemisinin‑based Combination Therapy (ACT) during the same period: 7.1 million in the first quarter, 7.6 million in the second quarter, and 9 million in the third quarter.
Speaking at the 2025 Joint Annual Review in Abuja, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Dr. Iziaq Salako acknowledged significant progress by the National Malaria Eradication Programme but emphasized the need for intensified interventions to curb transmission and strengthen nationwide malaria control efforts. The persistent surge in cases underscores the necessity of sustained action to address the disease in Nigeria. Health authorities must continue improving access to quality medical services, promoting timely health‑seeking behavior, and implementing effective malaria control measures to reduce the burden. With the rainy season expected to continue, stakeholders must remain vigilant and committed to combating malaria across the country.
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