As part of effort to curb the spread of malaria scourge in two Southwest states of Nigeria – Ogun and Lagos, the Rotary International District 9110 has provided free anti malaria drugs and tests in all health facilities across the two states.
The provision of free anti malaria drugs and tests to health facilities in Ogun and Lagos states by the Rotary International District 9110 was done in partnership with the two State governments to mark 2019 World Malaria Day.
Speaking at a sensitization walk recently held in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital to celebrate the World Malaria Day, tagged: ‘Zero Malaria Starts With Me’, Festus Adetonwa, past president and chairman, Roll Back Malaria Committee, noted that the increasing cases of malaria in the country prompted Rotary intervention on malaria spread, control, diagnosis and treatment.
Adetonwa noted that malaria parasites, transmitted to people through the bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes is one of life-threatening diseases in the World, saying that it is preventable and curable if reported at early stage.
He also said the disease is responsible for the death of most under 5 children and pregnant women as well as causes health conditions such as premature delivery, still birth, spontaneous abortion, brain damage, coma, loss of muscle function and sudden death.
He however requested members of the public to be hygienically sensitive, by riding their environment of stagnant water, noting that most effective and inexpensive way to prevent malaria transmission is by sleeping under Long Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets.
Earlier, Festus Soyinka, Director, Public Health Department, Ministry of Health, appreciated the Rotary District Governor, Kola Shodipo for his contribution, saying that the fight against malaria should not be left for government alone, just as he called on stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to partner with government in order to kick the disease out of Nigeria.
Soyinka, a physician, expressed worry over nonchalant attitude of Nigerians towards health facilities as the people with symptoms of malaria usually refuse to approach health facilities nearest to them for early diagnosis of malaria and eventual treatment, explaining that it is imperative for people to take their health as priority, as malaria is a curable and preventable disease.
RAZAQ AYINLA, Abeokuta
