SUNU Health Nigeria Limited has unveiled a comprehensive strategic roadmap aimed at achieving a malaria-free Nigeria, marking its contribution to this year’s World Malaria Day.
The health maintenance organisation, which operates nationwide and is part of the SUNU Group with a presence in 17 African countries, said the initiative underscores its broader commitment to sustainable healthcare and improved public health outcomes across the continent.
The roadmap is built on the belief that malaria eradication is achievable through consistent preventive measures and a shift from reactive treatment to proactive disease management. The company said this approach is essential to reducing a long-standing public health challenge that continues to impact Nigeria’s productivity and healthcare system.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Chief Operating Officer, Dr Faith Nwachi, stressed the need for collective action.
"Eradication is within our reach if we synchronize our efforts," Dr Nwachi stated, adding that effective prevention tools, including environmental hygiene and the regular use of treated mosquito nets, are readily available to Nigerians.
Recent data has highlighted the urgency of tackling malaria more aggressively. Figures from late 2025 show more than 24.5 million confirmed cases within the first nine months of the year. The disease remains a leading cause of death, accounting for about 30 per cent of child mortality and 11 per cent of maternal deaths annually.
According to the World Health Organisation, malaria is also responsible for nearly 30 per cent of hospital admissions in Nigeria as of early 2026, further underlining the need for sustained intervention.
A key focus of SUNU Health’s strategy is prevention. By addressing the root causes and transmission patterns of the disease, the organisation aims to significantly reduce infection rates and improve overall quality of life.
Dr Nwachi also highlighted the economic impact of malaria, noting that "prevention is significantly cheaper than cure." She pointed to the heavy financial burden on both households and the wider economy, with billions of naira lost each year to treatment costs and reduced productivity. For many families, repeated illness leads to high out-of-pocket expenses that can strain finances.
To mitigate these challenges, SUNU Health is promoting broader access to health maintenance plans, arguing that structured care systems can provide a reliable safety net. This, it said, would enable families to access preventive services without incurring immediate and substantial costs.
The organisation is calling on government agencies, corporate bodies and individuals to prioritise prevention and adopt healthier practices. Through partnerships and increased uptake of health insurance, SUNU Health says it aims to help drive Nigeria towards a future where malaria is no longer a major public health threat.
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