The Ekiti State Government has pledged its support for the 2026 Malaria Larval Source Management (LSM) intervention. The programme is designed to reduce mosquito breeding and curb malaria transmission across the state.
The commitment was announced by the Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, during a meeting with federal and state partners implementing the intervention under the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) through the IMPACT Project.
Olatunbosun said the Ministry of Information would work with relevant agencies to educate residents through communication channels.
He noted that the ministry had consistently supported public health campaigns and would continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Health on initiatives that improve the wellbeing of residents.
The commissioner also praised the implementation team for its efforts to strengthen malaria prevention across the state.
According to the programme’s spokesperson, Adedapo Adeogun, the intervention will focus on Ikere and Ilejemeje Local Government Areas, which currently record the highest malaria prevalence in Ekiti State.
Training for field personnel began on 13 July 2026, while mapping and microplanning activities commenced on 15 July. Field operations are scheduled to run from August to December 2026.
The Project
The project will identify mosquito breeding sites before applying approved larvicides to prevent mosquito development.
The intervention will also complement existing malaria prevention efforts by targeting stagnant water, blocked drainage systems and discarded containers, bottles and tyres that serve as mosquito breeding grounds.
Where breeding sites cannot be removed through environmental sanitation, officials will apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI), a biological larvicide widely used for mosquito control.
The implementation team said farmers and local residents would receive education on the safe use of BTI. They also encouraged community participation in eliminating breeding sites.
Officials also appealed to the Ministry of Information to intensify public awareness campaigns. This is to be done through radio, television, newspapers, social media and public service announcements. All campaigns are to be aimed at promoting environmental sanitation and malaria prevention.
The Larval Source Management programme forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to strengthen malaria control. Also reducing the burden of mosquito-borne diseases across Nigeria.
