PECAN reaffirms commitment to malaria elimination

August 21, 2025 by Our Reporter

• By Olabisi Azeez

The Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) has joined the global community in commemorating World Mosquito Day 2025 with a renewed pledge to intensify the fight against malaria in the country. With the theme: “Accelerating the Fight against Mosquitoes for a Malaria-Free Nation,” the event underscored the urgent need for stronger collaborations among government, development partners and communities.

Speaking on the occasion, PECAN National President, Olakunle Williams, described mosquitoes as the “single deadliest vector” responsible for the spread of malaria, which continues to claim thousands of Nigerian lives annually despite being preventable and treatable. “Malaria continues to claim thousands of lives every year in Nigeria despite being preventable and treatable,” Williams said. “As professional pest controllers, we stand at the frontline of protecting public health. World Mosquito Day reminds us of the urgent need to accelerate interventions, deepen awareness and support the Federal Government’s malaria elimination roadmap.”

Read Also: Olubadan: Oyo govt fixes Sept 26 for Ladoja’s coronation

World Mosquito Day, marked every August 20, commemorates the discovery in 1897 by Sir Ronald Ross that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans. This breakthrough laid the foundation for global malaria prevention and continues to serve as a call to action, especially for nations like Nigeria, which carries the highest malaria burden worldwide. Williams highlighted PECAN’s track record in advancing mosquito control and malaria prevention through nationwide projects, including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) interventions. The association, he noted, has partnered with key stakeholders such as the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), Rotary International and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to deliver life-saving services to high-risk communities. He reaffirmed PECAN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s malaria elimination agenda, urging citizens to join hands in sustaining preventive actions against mosquitoes.