The Federal Capital Territory plans to administer Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) drugs to 939,729 children under five this year to reduce malaria cases during peak season.
Olutomi Sodipo, Project Manager of Philanthropic Funding SMC, said the program uses trained community distributors to deliver a three-day monthly dose of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine and Amodiaquine (SPAQ) to children aged 3–59 months.
Since its 2022 launch, the FCT has recorded high coverage 98.4% and 99.6% in the first two 2025 cycles. The third round runs from August 8 to 11.
Despite progress, challenges like poor house-marking and incomplete data remain. Authorities are now partnering with faith-based groups to improve outreach and are urging caregivers to ensure full treatment and use of mosquito nets for added protection.
The initiative continues with strong government support and aims to accelerate malaria elimination in Abuja.
