By Donald Ojebo
Residents in the State have been enjoined to join hands with relevant government organizations to eliminate mosquitoes in the environment by practicing good hygiene and promoting good sanitation, particularly clearing the environment that harbor stagnant pools of water, dirty stagnant gutters,drains.
The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, made this known yesterday in a goodwill message as part of activities to commemorate the 2024 World Malaria Day which is marked on every 25th day of April each year.
The Commissioner noted that the Day is used to raise awareness about the disease, causative signs and symptoms, early diagnosis and treatment, complications, and the fight against it.
He equally stated that the theme for the 2024 World Malaria Day is “Accelerating the fight against Malaria for a more equitable world,” and the slogan is ‘Lets Change the Narrative Now’.
Onojaeme explained that malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and accounts for up to 25% of the disease burden in Delta State, about 30% of healthcare facility admissions and 60% of outpatient visits with the most vulnerable being pregnant women and children under five years of age.
The Commissioner stated that the country is currently at the stage of malaria elimination with the efforts of the National and State Malaria Elimination Programmes and Partners such as WHO, GF, CRS, MSH, SFH, ACOMIN among others, through the supplies of various malaria commodities for effective case management, intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) of Malaria in pregnancy, and distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs).
He stated also that the Day is an opportunity for new donors to join in Global partnerships; research Institutions to reveal any scientific advances they have made; companies and individuals to donate funds towards the cause; Foundations to show-case their efforts; individuals to support by donating funds towards the cause; individuals and organizations to hold fundraising events; electronic, digital and print media to showcase awareness campaigns about malaria elimination activities and to provide education and understanding of malaria.