Prevention has now been described as the best form of control measure against malaria.
Captain Idris Wada the Kogi State Governor made the disclosure at the flag – off campaign for the Universal Distribution of long lasting insecticidal nets in Kogi State today.
The Governor disclosed that malaria remains a global health problem, occurring in tropical and sub-tropical regions, accounts for the health of millions of people and priceless economic losses annually across the globe, especially in Nigeria.
Represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, said reliance on basic anti-mosquito measures such as sleeping under bed nets treated with insecticide to reduce deaths from malaria especially among children, remains the best form of protection against malaria.
Captain Wada said in line with World Health Organisation recommendations, the State Government have decided to adopt the use long lasting insecticide nets as a major strategy in the control of malaria.
The State Governor urged households in the State to ensure that the collect and sleep insecticide treated nets.
The flag – off of the distribution of the treated nets which coincides with the celebration of the World Malaria Day, the Governor noted has indeed given practical expression in the campaign to prevent malaria.
The flag – off campaign which makes Kogi State the 34 State and the FCT, as States that have already commenced the programme for the prevent of malaria fever in Nigeria, the Governor explained is geared towards achieving the MDG’s goals by 2015.
In his address, Modu Aro, who represented the Minster of Health, disclosed that Nigeria contribute one quarter of malaria burden in the world,with 90% of Nigerians always at risk of malaria.
The Minister also noted that malaria is responsible for 30% of childhood maternal mortality,said the use of LLIN is an integrated approach to achieving a malaria free nation.
In her remarks, Hajia Halima Wada, Wife of the State Governor,said the free distribution of LLIN mark the beginning of the drastic reduction of deaths on pregnant women and children, called on the citizens to make use of the nets.
The first lady who noted that mosquitoes are responsible for 11% of deaths of women urged women to make the spreading of the net part of their schedules, commended the state government for making the well being of the people a priority.
The Kogi State Commissioner for health Dr Idris Omede, in his address said the transmission of malaria parasites can best be reduced using the long lasting mosquito nets.
The Commissioner noted that N480 billion is spent annually nation wide as a result of the malaria scourge,said the impact on the economy and the well being of the people, calls for more funds support and spraying of mosquitoes infested areas to help reduce the scourge of malaria.
1.5million LLINs the Commissioner disclosed will be distributed across the state,using over 10,000 trained distributors,commended the State Governor for being in the forefront charting a course for an effective health service delivery system in the State.
The occasion which featured goodwill messages that called for serious investment by the Federal, State Government and other stakeholders to reduce the scourge of malaria, from National Coordinator Roll Back Malaria, Partners Represented by MAPS, had the flag off of the issuance of nets to beneficiaries by the Kogi state Governor, Capt Idris Wada and the decoration of Hajia Halima Wada as Net Ambassador for Kogi State.
