2nd Edition of Public Health World Conference (PHWC) 2026

Abstract

Northern Nigeria endures intense seasonal malaria transmission, with children under five facing heightened risk during peak rainy months, yet seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) has emerged as a transformative intervention, reaching millions through expanding cycles and geographic coverage. Drawing on publicly available DHIS2-derived surveillance data and national programmatic reports from high-burden northwestern states (Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara), this analysis examines SMC deployment trends, coverage achievements, and associated reductions in uncomplicated malaria incidence amid scale-up from 2021–2025.

Leveraging 8+ years of expertise in USAID/PMI-supported malaria programs including mobilizing counterpart funding and overseeing commodity distribution across thousands of facilities the review highlights key enablers: high administrative coverage (often exceeding 80–90% per cycle in eligible areas), integration with routine immunization, and adaptive cycles (4–5 monthly doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine + amodiaquine). Findings reveal variable but substantial declines in under-five malaria cases post-SMC expansion, with lower stock-out rates for preventive commodities and improved equity in rural access. Challenges persist in reporting completeness and last-mile delivery during peaks, underscoring needs for strengthened community engagement and digital surveillance.

This work advances public health innovation by demonstrating SMC’s role in resilient, evidence-based prevention, offering scalable models for sustainability and global health security in seasonal transmission zones across sub-Saharan Africa.