Ogun Loses Over 7,000 To Malaria In 2020

 Despite the huge resources channeled towards the fight against the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Nigeria, no fewer than 7, 676 persons were reportedly killed in Ogun state by malaria parasite in the 2020.

It will be recalled that the world has been ravaged by the deadly virus since it's outbreak in Wuhan, China in 2019.

Nigeria, like other countries of the world, has continued to put in place measures at curtailing the spread of the virus that has remained incurable.

However, despite billions of naira, equipment and food stuff donated to the Ogun State government to fight COVID-19, malaria has killed more residents of the state than those who have died of the virus in Nigeria.

Addressing journalists recently in Abeokuta during a press conference commemorating 2021 World Malaria Day, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker with the theme; "Zero Malaria- Draw the line against Malaria" said the figure represent 3% of 255, 872 patients tested positive for malaria in the year under review.

She added that, the malaria bacteria is predominantly in three local government areas of the state which are; Abeokuta South, Ado Odo-Ota and Ijebu North Council areas.

The Commissioner equally noted that, the state government has treated no fewer than 254, 593 malaria patients for free in the year 2020.

She maintained that, the figure represent 99.5% of the total 255, 872 patients tested positive for malaria parasite in the year under review.

Dr. Coker explained that, the state government has continued the free testing and treatment with Artemisinin based Combination Therapy (ACTs) in the Primary Health facilities in the state.

The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Adesanya Ayinde said the state government is equally working with her partners to ensure that, proven interventions are deployed towards malaria elimination which include, distribution of free long lasting insecticide net for pregnant women and children under five years.

She noted that, the state government would soon embark on replacement campaign aimed at distributing 3.7million nets to every household in July 2021.

"Malaria creates additional burden on the already weakened health system and account for about 480 billions Naira in out-of-pocket expenses for treatment, prevention and man hours loss; it thus exerts a severe social and economic burden on the nation and households.

"The Government of Ogun state is working with her partners to ensure that proven interventions  are deployed towards malaria elimination ; these include: Distribution of free long lasting insecticidal Nets (LLINs) to pregnant women at first booking and children under five years who complete immunisation schedules in all public health facilities.

"It is pertinent to note that the State has also started the process of LLIN replacement campaign aimed at distributing 3.7m nets to every household. The household mobilization and distribution process to all households is planned for July 2021. The distribution would flagged off by His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun. All household members are expected to collect their nets and use them correctly by sleeping inside them every night".

Also speaking, the marketing Director, Reckitt Nigeria, Mr. Tanzim Rezwan said the company is partnering with state government to reinforce the nation's fight to eliminate the menace of malaria in Nigeria.

Mr. Rezwan noted that the company is consolidating on its effort in fight against malaria under a campaign called "mortein fight to end malaria".

He stressed further that, as part of partnership arrangement with Ogun state government the company is embarking on -ground market and community engagement activities, Digital Education and Radio engagement.