SUNU Health Nigeria Limited has unveiled a comprehensive strategic roadmap aimed at achieving a malaria-free Nigeria, with a strong emphasis on preventive healthcare and expanded access to health insurance.
The initiative, announced as part of activities marking World Malaria Day 2026, highlights the urgent need to shift from reactive treatment to proactive disease management in addressing one of Nigeria’s most persistent public health challenges.
Speaking during the unveiling, the Chief Operating Officer of SUNU Health, Dr. Faith Nwachi, stressed that malaria eradication is achievable through coordinated action by individuals, institutions, and government.
“Eradication is within our reach if we synchronize our efforts,” she said, noting that simple preventive measures such as environmental hygiene and consistent use of treated mosquito nets remain critical tools in the fight against malaria.
The roadmap comes against the backdrop of rising malaria cases across the country. According to recent data, Nigeria recorded over 24.5 million confirmed cases within the first nine months of 2025, with the disease accounting for about 30 per cent of child mortality and 11 per cent of maternal deaths annually.
SUNU Health noted that malaria continues to place a heavy burden on the nation’s healthcare system, contributing to nearly 30 per cent of hospital admissions and significantly impacting productivity due to lost man-hours and rising treatment costs.
Central to the organisation’s strategy is a stronger focus on prevention, which it describes as more cost-effective than treatment. The company warned that frequent malaria infections often lead to substantial out-of-pocket expenses for families, further straining household finances.
To address this, SUNU Health is advocating for broader adoption of Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) plans as a sustainable solution. The organisation said managed healthcare systems provide a safety net that enables Nigerians to access preventive services without facing immediate financial pressure.
The company also called for increased collaboration among corporate organisations, government agencies, and the public to embed preventive practices into everyday life.
As part of its long-term vision, SUNU Health reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem to reduce malaria prevalence and improve overall national wellbeing, positioning prevention and structured healthcare access as key pillars in the journey toward a malaria-free Nigeria.
