The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the rising malaria prevalence in Ogun State, which increased from 22% in 2018 to 25% in 2021.
Minister of Health, Ali Pate, represented by David Oyeleke, a Director from the Ministry, highlighted this challenge during the launch of a mass distribution campaign for 3.1 million Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) in Abeokuta on Monday.
The campaign, a collaboration between the Society for Family Health, the Ogun State Government, the Federal Government, and other development partners, aims to combat malaria and drive the nation towards achieving zero-malaria status.
“While the national malaria prevalence dropped from 42% in 2010 to 22% in 2021, Ogun State has experienced an increase from 22% in 2018 to 25% in 2021,” Pate noted.
He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Nigeria accounts for 27% of the global malaria burden and 31% of global malaria deaths.”
To address this, Pate urged residents to embrace the use of ITNs, stressing that the success of the campaign depends on proper usage.
“We must encourage our people to collect these nets and sleep inside them to avoid mosquito bites that cause malaria,” he said.
Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele also highlighted malaria’s devastating impact on public health.
“Malaria accounts for 60% of outpatient visits, 40% of hospital admissions, and contributes to 11% of maternal deaths, 25% of infant deaths, and 40% of deaths among children under five,” she revealed.
Salako-Oyedele reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to reducing malaria prevalence through initiatives like the ITN distribution.
She called on religious and community leaders, traditional rulers, and residents to actively participate in the campaign by collecting and using the nets.
She also advised residents to air the nets under shade for 24 hours before use and ensure they sleep inside them every night.
Dr. John Ocholi, Director of the Society for Family Health, praised the Ogun State Government for supporting the campaign.
He urged residents with net cards to visit designated distribution centres from Tuesday to Saturday to collect their nets and start using them immediately.
“This is a strategic way to reduce malaria prevalence in the state.
People must sleep inside these treated nets to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” Ocholi said.
As the ITN distribution gains momentum, it serves as a critical intervention to mitigate the rising malaria cases in Ogun State and a reminder of the collaborative effort required to tackle one of Nigeria’s most significant public health challenges.