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'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Kogi State Government, in a bold move to tackle the rising prevalence of malaria, has announced plans to spend over ₦4 billion on malaria prevention initiatives across its healthcare system. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo unveiled this ambitious plan during the launch of a statewide malaria prevention campaign held at the Government House in Lokoja on Tuesday.
According to a statement today signed by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah, the campaign, which includes the distribution of free anti-malaria drugs, rapid diagnostic test kits, and over 3 million insecticide-treated nets, is part of the state government’s commitment to promoting healthy living and improving the wellbeing of its citizens. Governor Ododo emphasized that malaria is a disease that affects everyone and called for collective efforts to eradicate it, noting that it continues to claim thousands of lives in Nigeria annually.
Citing the 2024 World Malaria Report, Governor Ododo revealed that Africa accounted for 94% of global malaria cases in 2023, with Nigeria contributing 30% of the 5,970 deaths recorded. He further disclosed that Kogi State’s malaria prevalence rate stands at 16%, significantly higher than the national target of less than 10%. This alarming statistic, he said, underscores the urgent need for intervention by all stakeholders.
“Malaria is not just a health issue; it is a development challenge that affects productivity, education, and the overall quality of life. We must act now to reverse this trend,” the governor stated.
The malaria prevention initiative, supported by the Islamic Development Bank, includes the procurement of over 10,000 cartons of anti-malaria drugs and test kits containing more than 1 million doses for children and nearly 2 million doses for adults. These supplies will be distributed to 536 government health facilities across the state, including primary healthcare centers, general hospitals, and teaching hospitals.
Governor Ododo warned against the diversion of these essential supplies, stressing that they are not for sale and are meant solely for the benefit of the people. “Anyone found guilty of diverting these items will be held accountable,” he declared.
The governor also commended healthcare workers in the state for their relentless efforts in improving healthcare outcomes, particularly in rural areas. He described them as “soldiers on the frontlines” in the battle against diseases and called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, NGOs, and other stakeholders to join hands with the government to ensure the success of the initiative.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the health sector, Governor Ododo described it as a critical pillar of Kogi State’s development agenda. He expressed confidence that the malaria prevention campaign, coupled with federal government healthcare reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would significantly reduce malaria prevalence and improve the quality of life for the people of Kogi State.
Earlier in the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, highlighted the importance of the malaria prevention program, which aims to ensure that every household has access to malaria test kits, drugs, insecticide-treated nets, and other preventive measures. He described the initiative as a comprehensive strategy that focuses on community engagement to combat malaria effectively across the state.
“This intervention is free and targets every community in Kogi State. We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in our fight against malaria,” Dr. Adams said.
The launch of the malaria prevention campaign marks a significant step in Kogi State’s efforts to address one of its most pressing public health challenges. With over ₦4 billion allocated to the initiative and the support of key stakeholders, the state government is poised to make a lasting impact in the fight against malaria.
As Governor Ododo aptly put it, “Through collaboration and collective action, we can win the battle against malaria and create a healthier, more prosperous Kogi State.”
