WORLD MALARIA DAY: LAGOS ADVOCATES HYGIENE PRACTICES, SANITATION TO COMBAT MALARIA
In commemoration of World Malaria Day 2024, the Lagos State Government has emphasised the critical role of maintaining a clean environment in the fight against malaria. Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi highlighted this message during an awareness and sensitisation walk held today in Alausa-Ikeja.
Prof. Abayomi, represented by the Director of Disease Control at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Rotimi Agbolagorite, emphasised that this year’s theme: “Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World”, underscores the urgent need to intensify efforts against the disease, especially in malaria-endemic regions like Lagos State. He stressed the importance of community awareness and involvement in promoting preventive measures to reduce malaria transmission.
The Commissioner noted that preventive measures such as the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and timely administration of antimalarial drugs as proactive steps to protect residents. Prof. Abayomi reiterated that while malaria is treatable and curable, negligence in adopting preventive measures can lead to severe complications.
“We commemorate World Malaria Day on the 25th of April every year. This celebration is an opportunity to intensify awareness creation and community sensitisation, particularly in regions like West Africa where malaria is endemic”, he said.
Prof. Abayomi stressed the importance of intensifying awareness campaigns to improve citizens’ health-seeking behaviour, noting that negligence can exacerbate the severity of malaria cases.
Reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s commitment to the fight against malaria, the Commissioner disclosed that Lagos is open to productive partnerships aimed at eliminating malaria. He commended the relentless efforts of stakeholders and partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative (YEDI), in the malaria elimination campaign.
Manager of the Lagos State Malaria Elimination Programme, Dr. Abimbola Osinowo urged caregivers to ensure children between six months and two years receive malaria vaccination for effective prevention.
“The malaria vaccine is highly effective, having benefited nearly a million children in Ghana, Malawi, and Kenya. Caregivers should ensure their children receive vaccination, especially between six months and two years, to prevent severe forms of malaria”, she said.
Executive Director of Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative (YEDI), an adolescent health organisation, Mrs. Tomisin Adeoye commended the Lagos State Government’s inclusive governance approach and reiterated YEDI’s commitment to malaria prevention through collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Health.
The Lagos State Government, therefore, urged all residents to join hands in creating a hygienic environment and adopting preventive measures to combat malaria effectively.