info@pecan.ng
The Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN), under the leadership of its National President, PCO Olakunle Williams, today joined the global community in commemorating World Mosquito Day 2025 with the theme “Accelerating the Fight Against Mosquitoes for a Malaria-Free Nation.”
Speaking on the occasion, President Williams reiterated PECAN’s resolve to intensify collaboration with government, development partners, and communities in the war against mosquitoes, which remain the single deadliest vector of malaria in Nigeria.
According to him,“Malaria continues to claim thousands of lives every year in Nigeria despite being preventable and treatable,” he noted. “As professional pest controllers, we stand at the frontline of protecting public health. This World Mosquito Day reminds us of the urgent need to accelerate interventions, deepen awareness, and support the Federal Government’s malaria elimination roadmap.”
WHY WORLD MOSQUITO DAY MATTERS?
World Mosquito Day, observed annually on August 20, honours the groundbreaking discovery made in 1897 by Sir Ronald Ross, who proved that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans. This scientific breakthrough laid the foundation for global malaria prevention efforts. The commemoration serves as a call to action for nations like Nigeria, which bears the highest global burden of malaria.
PECAN’S INTERVENTIONS OVER THE YEARS:
PECAN has consistently advanced mosquito control and malaria prevention projects nationwide, often through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. In partnership with stakeholders such as the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), Rotary International, and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), PECAN has delivered life-saving interventions to high-risk communities, including:
1.Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Abuja
2.Itire/Ikate communities in Lagos
3.Kiri-Kiri communities in Lagos
For 2025, PECAN’s CSR outreach targeted the Makoko fishing communities in Lagos. Although the exercise was postponed due to the Lagos State Government’s declaration of a public holiday on Isese Day, President Williams assured the public that the intervention would be rescheduled promptly.
PUBLIC HEALTH CALL: Protecting Nigerians from Mosquitoes
PECAN urges Nigerians to take proactive steps in the fight against mosquitoes and malaria. Simple preventive measures can save lives, including:
1.Eliminating stagnant water around homes and communities
2.Proper waste disposal and sanitation practices
3.Use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs)
4.Indoor residual spraying (IRS) with approved insecticides
5.Seeking prompt medical treatment when symptoms occur
CALL FOR GOVERNMENT ACTION:
President Williams further urged government at all levels to increase investment in malaria control programmes, strengthen health infrastructure, and support professional pest management services.
“Nigeria cannot afford to remain the epicentre of malaria,” he stressed. “We call on the Federal, State, and Local Governments to prioritise mosquito control by funding integrated vector management programmes, supporting community-led initiatives, and empowering licensed pest control professionals. Only through sustained investment and political will can we accelerate the fight against mosquitoes and achieve a malaria-free nation.
ABOUT PECAN
The Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) is the umbrella body for licensed pest control operators across the country. The Association is committed to promoting public health through safe, professional, and environmentally sustainable pest management practices.