World Malaria Day: Gombe records 12% decrease in malaria prevalence
…..352 facilities provide free malaria treatment
As the world marks Malaria Day, With the theme; “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate,implement, there seems to be hope for zero malaria as there is release of a breakthrough vaccine.
This was made known by the Programme Manager Gombe State Malaria Elimination Programme, Ubayo Ali, in an interview with newsmen shortly after a rally to mark world Malaria Day at the Primary Health Care Centre Town Maternity Gombe State.
Ali said that the said vaccine has been piloted in two countries in the world and recently approved in Ghana and Nigeria adding that 100,000 doses would be used as pilot in Nigeria.
He said the vaccine has been proven to be efficacious for the prevention of malaria in children hence, the approval for use in Nigeria.
Speaking on Gombe state malaria prevention experience, the PM said “there is a 12 percent decrease in malaria prevalence in three years. the rate dropped from thirty three percent to eighteen percent.”
He said this was achieved through the conduct of series of prevention activities to include surveillance, monitoring and evaluation, Procurement and supply chain management, Advocacy communication and social media mobilization
Ali added, “All these will continue until there is a zero tolerance of the disease in the state and federation.”
He advised the people to ensure environmental hygiene, sleep under mosquito treated nets and visit nearest health facility if they felt any symptom of malaria.
The PM said there are free malaria prevention services offered in 352 health facilities across the state.
The malaria Elimination Programme office with support of Non Governmental Organisations and partners had conducted a rally that commenced from Gidan Magani to the Gombe main roundabout through the Jekadafari area sharing interpersonal communication materials on prevention and treatment of malaria .
The world Malaria Day is celebrated every 25th of April across the globe to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria control and treatment.
