By John Ndu, Awka
Anambra state Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo has observed that malaria is one of the deadly illness that has contributed to over 30% of death across the country.
Soludo stated this while reacting to the recent distribution of 3.8 million treated mosquito nets to the general public in Awka.
The exercise was in done by the State’s Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of health and Malaria Consortium, an international non-profit with focus on malaria eradication and management strategies.
Soludo said “Malaria is the number one public health problem in Nigeria, responsible for about 30% of deaths in under-fives and 25% of deaths in infants and 11% maternal mortality. The economic burden of malaria in Nigeria is calculated using the cost of illness approach.
“Shocking narratives around the usage of ITNs especially in our rural communities account for increased prevalence of the scourge in the area. Stories of how Insecticide Treated Nets are converted to farm implements amongst our rural population abound. In the urban centres, blocked drainages with the attendant stagnant waters account for the major source of malaria bearing mosquitos.
“While we await the mainstreaming of the recent breakthrough in the malaria vaccine, we must pay close heed to the quick wins the proper use of ITNs afford us.
“Finally, let me congratulate my amiable wife, Nonye Soludo, on her investiture at today’s event as the “Net Ambassador”. She took time to simulate how households can deploy the ITN. It was such a delight to watch, and I encourage all to join in this fight against Malaria.”
Wife of the Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo who was decorated as Net Ambassador, expressed delight in the honour and that households will be registered and given nets and asked everyone to make themselves available, by providing the relevant information for the distribution exercise which will commence from 2 – 17 August, 2022.
While enumerating some of the achievements by the present administration, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike rehearsed that the distribution exercise is a fight for zero tolerance against malaria and pointed out that studies show that the use of nets is low in the state.
Dr Obidike explained that choosing such a time is informed by the fact that malaria increases during rainy season and stressed that Governor Soludo is determined to provide quality healthcare to Ndi Anambra.
While pleading with the government and people of the state to receive and make use of the nets, the West and Central Africa Programme Director of World Health Organization, Dr. Kolawole Maxwell spoke on the public health impact of the malaria burden, saying that if the menace is eliminated, the economic benefits are immeasurable.
He stated that Nigeria is committed to elimination of malaria by 2025, just like other countries have done.
The symbolic presentation of nets to a few beneficiaries, featured at the event which was attended by the Ministry of Health, United Nations agencies in Anambra State, Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluchi Ibezim, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi and members of Anambra State Executive Council.