Kebbi SMC Project vows to eliminate malaria in the State

MC Kebbi Organizes Media Parley, Seeks Stronger Press Partnership to Improve SMC Coverage, Protect Under-Five Children

Journalists, broadcasters, and health communicators in Kebbi State have pledged to close information gaps and drive demand for Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention, SMC, after a media parley focused on strengthening media partnerships for better child survival. 

The one-day engagement held at Bola Ahmed Tinubu Secretariat, Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday 30/06/2026 was convened by Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) Kebbi State project implementation unit which brought together radio, TV, print, and online media to align on accurate, timely, and community-centered SMC reporting ahead of the 2026 malaria season.

SMC is a preventive strategy where children aged 3–59 months receive a full course of antimalarial medicines once a month for 4 months during the peak transmission season. In Kebbi, the rainy season from June to October creates ideal conditions for malaria, making the 4 SMC cycles critical for reducing under-five deaths.

Speaking at accassion,the State Malaria Programme Manager, Nasir Muhammed Zagga, said Kebbi has made progress, but face misconceptions in some community. “Our Community Drug Distributors can only do so much. When media amplify the right message at the right time, caregivers bring their children out,” Mr. Zagga told participants

on his part, State Health Promotion Officer,Yusuf Umar S. 

tasked the participating media to move beyond statistics and tell human stories that can build trust through voices people already listen to.

Kabiru Ibrahim Masama a consultant to the project, urges the participating

Media house to support awareness creation and community mobilization to achieve entire objective of SMC Project in Kebbi State. 

MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENTS:

Evidence shows SMC Kebbi reached more than 90% and 100% target children in first,second and third circle of 2025 campaign with thousands of under-five children across Kebbi’s 21 LGAs, improve in malaria reduction translates to fewer hospitalizations and more children surviving the rainy season.

The 2026 SMC campaign is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, 01-07-2026 with official flag off at Emir of Argungu palace. 

The participating media were News Agency of Nigeria, NTA, Kebbi Tv and Radio, Kebbi-Trust Online Newspaper,Nagari FM, Equity FM, Guardian newspaper among others and they all promise to support Kebbi SMC Project to achieve its objectives. 

“We are not just reporting an activity. We are helping to save lives  as such we remain partners and stakeholders till mission accomplished,” said Ahmed Umar, publisher Kebbi-Trust Online Newspaper.