The Kogi state government has taken delivery of over N1billion five trailer loads of commodities for malaria prevention in the state.
Kogi Commissioner of Health, Dr. Zakari Usman disclosed this in a speech to mark the year 2023 World Malaria Day celebration in Lokoja, the state capital, on Wednesday.
The commissioner said that commodities which were received just last week from “Malaria Consortium” its partner in the control of malaria, is aimed at reducing the endemic disease to its barest minimum in Kogi.
“This is the 16th year celebration of the” World Malaria Day” with the theme: Delivering Zero Malaria, Invest, Innovate and Implement.”
Dr. Usman noted that Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration’s chief policy for the realization of malaria free state was putting in place “Bello’s Medical care Initiative which provides opportunity for citizens to go to hospitals to access free treatment and preventive measures.
“According to the commissioner, the present administration in the state had done its best in the recruitment of medical doctors, nurses and other categories of health personnel as well as procurement of drugs to tackle the health needs of the people.
“Iam happy to inform you that in Kogi State Malaria endemic has drastically dropped to 16% and we are aiming at having zero percent by God’s grace.
“Having zero percent, I strongly believe is achievable as we will not relent in our investment, innovation and implementation in the control of the malaria disease in Kogi.
“In 2020, over 241 clinical cases on malaria endemic and two thousand and twenty-seven deaths were recorded from sub-Sahara Africa which is caused by female Anopheles mosquitoes.
“Malaria prevention I believe is everybody’s business hence the need for both the public and private organizations as well as individuals to complement government’s efforts in this task.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director Public Health with the Kogi State Ministry of Health, Dr. Francis Akpa had described malaria as killer disease if not treated immediately.
“My appeal to citizens especially the most vulnerable children and pregnant women in sub-Sahara Africa where malaria cases are common is that they should play their part to ensure malaria free society.”
