Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), has said that the World Bank invested about N1.5 billion in the implementation of the IMPACT Malaria Project in Ondo State in Southwestern Nigeria.
The institute said that the intervention programme had led to significant improvements in malaria control and child health outcomes in the state.
Dr. Charles Mensah, chief operating officer and managing director of IHVN, said in Akure, the state capital, at the close-out ceremony of the project, implemented in partnership with the Ondo State Ministry of Health that the investment covered malaria commodities, training of healthcare workers, logistics and other interventions implemented across the state and its 18 local government areas.
He said that the project, originally designed to run for a longer period, was completed within a shorter timeframe while achieving all its milestones.
According to him, the feat was made possible by the strong commitment of the Ondo State Government, technical support from the World Bank and the National Malaria Elimination Programme.
“Ondo State is one of the states where we enjoy the highest level of cooperation, from the Governor’s Office to the Commissioner for Health and other officials; the support was exceptional.
“The World Bank invested significantly in the project. In naira terms, the investment was about N1.5 billion, covering commodities, training of healthcare workers, logistics and other interventions across the state and local governments,” he said.
In his speech, Dr. Pwanedo Nzomisaki, World Bank representative, said that the project, which commenced in the state in 2024, had produced remarkable results.
Nzomisaki said that available statistics indicated that malaria prevalence in Ondo State declined from 27 per cent to 13 per cent during the implementation period, describing the achievement as a major milestone.
He commended IHVN and the Ondo State Government for their commitment to implementing the project.
According to local media reports, awards of excellence were presented to individuals and organisations that contributed to the successful implementation of the project.
The reports added that the IMPACT Project is a World Bank-funded intervention aimed at reducing malaria burden, improving immunisation coverage and strengthening primary healthcare delivery in participating states.
