A Lagos State Government study has found that 95 per cent of people who presented with fever across the state tested negative for malaria, prompting the government to intensify its “Test Before Treat” campaign.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, disclosed the finding on Friday, September 4, 2026, saying the extensive study covered more than 78,000 people across 514 healthcare outlets in the state.
According to Abayomi, only about five per cent of those who presented with fever tested positive for malaria, while the remaining 95 per cent had other causes of fever.
“Our extensive fever study, involving more than 78,000 people across 514 healthcare outlets, found that only about 5% of people with fever tested positive for malaria. That means 95% had another cause of fever,” he said.
The finding has informed the Lagos State Government’s adoption of a “Test Before Treat” approach aimed at discouraging residents from automatically assuming that every fever is caused by malaria.
Abayomi said the figures also highlighted the dangers of self-medication, particularly the common practice of buying antimalarial drugs whenever fever occurs.
He explained that many patients typically assume they have malaria, purchase antimalarial drugs and, when their symptoms persist, move on to other medicines, including antibiotics.
“For years, the pathway has often been: Patient feels unwell → assumes malaria → buys an antimalarial → if still unwell, moves on to another medicine, including an antibiotic,” he said.
The commissioner urged residents to seek medical attention, undergo appropriate tests and receive treatment based on the actual diagnosis rather than treating themselves based on symptoms alone.
He described the recommended process as: “Patient feels unwell → sees a healthcare provider → history and examination → appropriate test → diagnosis → appropriate treatment.”
Abayomi said the “Test Before Treat” approach was informed by the study findings and changes in the malaria situation in Lagos.
He also identified community pharmacies and patent medicine stores as important points of care because they are often the first places residents visit when they develop fever.
According to him, quality-assured malaria rapid diagnostic tests should be made available at such outlets, alongside clear referral pathways for patients who test negative.
He urged residents not to automatically treat every fever as malaria, stressing that a negative malaria test should prompt further medical investigation rather than the immediate use of another medicine.
“My message to the public is simple: Do not assume every fever is malaria. Test before you treat,” Abayomi said.
“If the test is positive, treat appropriately. If it is negative, do not simply move on to another medicine. Find out what is actually causing the illness,” he added.
The commissioner said the policy is expected to promote accurate diagnosis, encourage responsible use of medicines and reduce unnecessary consumption of antibiotics.
“This is about better diagnosis, better use of medicines and better healthcare. It is also about protecting our antibiotics from unnecessary use and helping Lagos move closer to malaria elimination,” he said.
