Nigeria loses N132bn annually to malaria cases -Council boss

Chairman of Calabar South Local Government Council Majorie Asuquo has said that the financial loss caused by malaria in Nigeria is estimated about N132 billion in terms of treatment cost, prevention, loss of man hours and yet it is a treatable and completely preventable disease.                                   

He said millions of deaths traceable to malaria are daily recorded, as 68 percent of outpatient visits medical facilities as a result of malaria. It is also responsible for 30 percent childhood deaths, 25 percent of deaths in children under one year and 11 percent maternal deaths.            The Council boss said it is logical to believe that the major reason, apart from unhealthy living conditions, that can be adduced for inability of the third world countries to curb the disease as compared to their western counterparts is poverty; many he said are living in the rural areas.             

Majorie who was represented by the vice chairman of the Council, Magnus Bassey said  the council was Supporting the five day free distribution of the LLIN in Cross River communities,  also stressed that beneficiaries must not turn the nets into farm cover and or fishing nets but to make maximum use for their own benefits.

Wife of the Cross River State Governor Linda Ben Ayade launched the distribution programme to help combat malaria in the state amongst Nigerians.

Tagged ‘Hunt Malaria Initiative’, the first lady launched the programme at headquarters of Calabar South LGA when she formally flagged off free distribution of 2.2 million Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets in the state.

Ayade who was represented by the permanent Secretary in the state ministry of women affairs, Theresa Agba, said the HMI would be propelled by what she described as  Club System, and would target pupils and students in all category of schools in the state.

Accepting her role as malaria ambassador in the state, she said: “I have developed the club system that will take malaria awareness to primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in the state.  This programme uses peer groups and operates under an initiative that we have named Hunt Malaria Initiative, which shall outlive this administration.”

She also stressed that as a medical practitioner with passion for children and pregnant women, she would spare no effort to see that they receive best of care in the state while she remain first lady.

State coordinator of Malaria Action Programme (MAPS),  Rose Nyiambi explained that the 2.2 million nets jointly donated by USAID and other international donor agencies are to replace the previous ones distributed three years ago.

Supporting the five day free distribution of the LLIN in Cross River communities, chairman of Calabar South local government council, Marjorie Asuquo, represented by her vice chairman, Magnus Bassey, also stressed that beneficiaries must not turn the nets into farm cover and or fishing nets but to make maximum use for their own benefits.