The Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a malaria-free Nigeria as the nation joined the global community to mark World Mosquito Day 2025.
This was contained in a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of PECAN, Dr Dennis Olabisi, on Friday in Lagos.
The theme of the celebration was “Accelerating the Fight Against Mosquitoes for a Malaria-Free Nation.”
Speaking on the occasion, PECAN President, Mr Olakunle Williams, reiterated the association’s determination to intensify collaboration with government, development partners, and communities in the fight against mosquitoes.
Williams described mosquitoes as the deadliest vector of malaria in Nigeria, stressing that the disease continues to claim thousands of lives annually despite being preventable and treatable.
“As professional pest controllers, we stand at the frontline of protecting public health. This World Mosquito Day reminds us of the urgent need to accelerate interventions, deepen awareness, and support the Federal Government’s malaria elimination roadmap,” Williams said.
He explained that PECAN had consistently advanced mosquito control and malaria prevention projects nationwide through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including outreach programmes in Internally Displaced Persons camps in Abuja, and communities such as Itire/Ikate and Kirikiri in Lagos State.
He added that the Makoko fishing community had been selected for PECAN’s 2025 CSR outreach.
PECAN urged Nigerians to take proactive steps in combating malaria by eliminating stagnant water, practising proper waste disposal, using insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), adopting indoor residual spraying (IRS) with approved insecticides, and seeking timely medical treatment.
Williams appealed to governments at all levels to increase investment in malaria control programmes, strengthen health infrastructure, and support professional pest management services.
“Nigeria cannot afford to remain the epicentre of malaria. We call on the federal, state, and local governments to prioritise mosquito control by funding integrated vector management programmes, supporting community-led initiatives, and empowering licensed pest control professionals. Only through sustained investment and political will can we accelerate the fight against mosquitoes and achieve a malaria-free nation,” Williams said.
World Mosquito Day is observed annually on August 20 in honour of Sir Ronald Ross’s 1897 discovery that female anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans, a breakthrough that laid the foundation for global malaria prevention efforts.
(NAN)