Rivers state Ministry of Health has revealed that the 2015 malaria indicator survey shows that malaria prevalence in the state is
currently at 7.3 percent.
The commissioner of health, Professor Chike Princewill, disclosed this during the Malaria Clinic \Malaria Fair awareness programme to commemorate the 2018 World Malaria Day celebration at the secretariat of the Nigerian Bar Association, with the theme: “Ready to Beat Malaria, Together we can”.
According to him, Malaria is the major cause of death, especially among children under five years and pregnant women stressing that the public should ensure that they constantly sleep under mosquito nets.
“Malaria is the major cause of absenteeism in the work place, however, the net utilization in Rivers state following the survey is lower than the average net utilization in the country.
“It is our earnest desire that this fair should provide an opportunity for increase in net utilization in the state, as several demonstration will be carried out on proper care of net. With the help of everyone, we believe we can beat malaria”
The Commissioner thanked the state governor, Nyesom Wike, for all his efforts in the rehabilitation of facilities in the health sector and all roll back malaria partners for their cooperation in fighting malaria.
Also speaking, the Program Manager State Malaria Elimination Program, Dr. Mina Jaja, urged the public to always sleep inside mosquito treated nets.
“We want people to begin to utilize the mosquito nets. We want to have a free malaria state and together we can only beat malaria if we take actions”
On his part, Chairman, Rivers state council of traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, jekiv ,Amayanabo of Opobo ,called on federal government and relevant agencies to carry out research that will produce an effective drug to fight malaria parasite.
His Royal Majesty, King Dandeson further urged the public to join hands with the
state government to eradicate malaria in the state.
“Every second, a child dies from malaria globally. You can see how devastating the disease is, therefore something pragmatic should be done to make sure malaria is eradicated.
“The world should come together to make sure that by 2020, malaria is reduced to 40percent and by 2023, malaria has been reduced to 90percent. The state government should dedicate part of its budget to fight malaria parasite.
“We have our roles to play. Lets all join hands with the government to fight malaria. We have to keep our environment clean, we have to make sure our houses are fumigated, water ponds should be covered. We should not give malaria parasite fertile ground to grow. If we keep our environment neat and ensure proper hygiene, the fight to end malaria in the state will be a success”
Our Reporter ,Tina Stephen, reports that Highlights of the event include ceremonial presentation of mosquito treated nets to pregnant women and children under five years, drama and song rendition.
