Desmond Iwuchukwu
Rivers State Government says its investment in the health sector has reduced the prevalence rate of malaria in the state.
The Commissioner of Health in Rivers State Prof Princewill Chike says this during an event to mark the 2023 World Malaria Day.
He said that the prevalence of Malaria in Rivers State has reduced to 9% against a national prevalence of 22 percent.
The Commissioner for Health said that Malaria is preventable and treatable.
Prof Princewill Chike also called on pregnant women and rivers people to always seek medical advice before consuming any malaria drug.
He also tasked pregnant women to take the opportunity of the numerous health facilities provided by the state government to attend ante-natal care.
The Commissioner of Health in Rivers State Prof Princewill Chike further called on the private sector to join hands with the State Government to curb the disease in the state.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Deputy Governor Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo says Rivers State ranks amongst the best 5 States in malaria control in Nigeria.
Dr. Banigo, in a statement to commemorate the 2023 World Malaria Day, said the role of Governor Nyesom Wike in upgrading health facilities in the State has contributed immensely to the remarkable achievement.
The Deputy Governor noted that the prevalence rate in Rivers State is 9% against a national prevalence of 22%.
She noted that the prevalence rate which was 11.3% in 2018 had dropped to 9%, which is commendable.
Dr. Banigo said Nigeria has set the pace by being the 2nd Country after Ghana to approve the R 21 malaria vaccine which is expected to prevent malaria in children between 5 to 36 months of age.
The Deputy Governor commended the State Malaria Control Team for working assiduously to reduce the malaria burden of the State.
Our correspondent reports that the theme of this year’s celebration is ”Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”
