BY OLUWATOSIN IGHOTEGUONO
Malaria a life threatening disease caused by a bite of an infected female anopheles mosquitoes and has been a major public health challenge in the country.
In this report, Oluwatosin Ighoteguono finds out how to draw the line against malaria in line with the theme of this year’s World malaria day.
According to the world health organization, WHO’s 2020 report, 1.5million cases and 7.6 million deaths was being averted due to the global response and control of the disease.
Also the world health organization rates Africa high in malaria cases having 94% as children under five years in the region contribute to two third of global death from malaria.
In a Interview with Radio Nigeria, The Malaria Program Officer , Ondo State Ministry of Health, Mrs Titilope Akinlalu who described Malaria as deadly if not properly treated said people must discourage the use of Antimalaria drugs without Doctor’s prescription.
Speaking on this years theme,” Zero malaria- Draw the line against malaria” Mrs Akinlalu emphasized on ensuring proper medical check, use of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy, use of insecticide treated net for children and expectant mothers and living in a clean environment as ways to prevent malaria.
Mrs Akinlalu noted that for a country to draw a line against malaria, everybody must be involved and urged residents of the state to always access healthcare facilities as and when due.
Also speaking, the permanent secretary, Ondo State hospitals management board, Dr Niran Ikuomola disclosed that government was doing its best at reducing the scourge of malaria by enlightening stakeholders and providing free access to health care for children under the age of five and expectant mothers in the state.
Contributing, the executive director kids and teen resources center, Akure, Mrs Folashade Bamigboye stressed on more coverage, prompt diagnosis and treatment of malaria for children under five and expectant mothers especially in difficult terrains as many rural dwellers still believe in myth that sun and stress cause malaria thereby taking to the use of local herbs.
Mrs Bamigboye also added that government must collaborate with NGOs in the area of advocacy, communication and social mobilization to make people understand the usefulness of Long lasting insecticide nets and not misuse them as barricades in their farms.
Some expectant mothers spoke with Radio Nigeria, Mrs Tinuade Komolafe and Mrs Ruth Oki said much was still needed from government in the area of provision of adequate healthcare for them and their children at no cost in the state.