Adamawa Dept. Gov. Launches SMC Campaign Targeting 1.2 Million Children

Hanny Henry

The Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Kaletupwa Farauta, has launched a large-scale Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign, targeting over 1.2 million children across all 21 local government areas.

The campaign was officially inaugurated on Friday in Yola by Kaletupwa farauta, the Deputy Governor, and a Professor, who emphasized the state’s commitment to reducing the malaria burden among vulnerable children.

Represented by Edgar Amos, the Chief of Staff, Government House, the Deputy Governor described malaria as a persistent public health challenge in the state, particularly affecting children under the age of five.

“Malaria continues to be a major public health concern, especially for our children under five years of age,” she said. “This campaign is not just a medical exercise; it is a strong statement of our government’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and futures of our children and communities.”

The SMC campaign involves the monthly administration of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine plus Amodiaquine (SPAQ) to children aged 3 to 59 months, during the peak transmission period of the rainy season.

The intervention is a proven strategy for reducing malaria-related illness and death, and improving child health outcomes.

Farauta highlighted the government’s broader commitment to healthcare, noting increased budgetary allocations, expanded primary healthcare infrastructure, and strengthened health systems as key priorities.

“We believe a healthy population is the bedrock of a prosperous society,” she added. “That is why we continue to invest in both preventive and curative services, including the provision of free malaria drugs for vulnerable groups, equipping primary health centres, and improving disease surveillance.”

The Deputy Governor also acknowledged the critical support of international and local partners, including the Malaria Consortium, WHO, UNICEF, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), and other donor agencies. She called on traditional leaders, religious figures, and community stakeholders to mobilize support for the campaign, ensuring every eligible child receives all four doses.

In his remarks, Felix Tangwami, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, noted that Nigeria accounts for 27% of global malaria deaths, with Adamawa particularly affected during the rainy season due to ecological factors.

“This year’s campaign is strategically timed to reduce malaria transmission,” he said. “Evidence shows that SMC can reduce malaria cases by up to 75% when effectively implemented.”

Tangwami revealed that commodities worth over ₦4.8 billion have been procured and deployed to support the campaign, with over 6,000 trained community health workers and distributors conducting door-to-door delivery, even in remote areas.

 He also highlighted the state’s use of robust pharmacovigilance systems, real-time data reporting, and supervisory mechanisms to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the campaign.

The Commissioner outlined other achievements in the state’s malaria control efforts, including:

Distribution of over 3 million Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs)

Establishment of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) points in primary health centers

Routine availability of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) at no cost in public health facilities

Increased inter-sectoral efforts to mitigate environmental conditions conducive to mosquito breeding

In addition, the state continues to promote community education and behavioral change initiatives to encourage the use of LLINs, uptake of SMC, and prompt medical care.

Chidimka Okolo of Catholic Relief Services called for collective action in the fight against malaria, emphasizing that success requires community-wide participation.

Prof. Mahmud Kumo, Programme Manager at the Society for Family Health, commended the Adamawa State Government for its leadership and success in malaria prevention efforts, describing it as a model for other states.

Ben Alisa, representing the National Coordinator of NMEP, praised the state’s preparedness and commitment, stating that the campaign would help children grow stronger and healthier, significantly improving public health outcomes in the region.