Governor Ahmed Usman of Kogi State has revealed that the state’s malaria prevalence of 16 per cent exceeds the national target of less than 10 per cent, thus necessitating urgent intervention by all stakeholders.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo made this known in a statement by his spokesperson Ismaila Isah on Wednesday, and said the government will spend over ₦4 Billion to prevent malaria in the state.
He called for collective efforts to eradicate the killer disease, adding that from the 2024 World Malaria Report, “Africa accounted for 94 per cent of global malaria cases in 2023, with Nigeria contributing 30 per cent of the 5,970 deaths recorded.
Speaking at the Government House in Lokoja during the launch of a malaria prevention campaign to combat malaria, the governor said the drugs and test-kits would be distributed free across healthcare facilities in the state.
The statement quoted Governor Ododo as saying the distribution of anti-malaria drugs, rapid diagnostic test kits, and over three million insecticide-treated nets to healthcare facilities is to promote healthy living and the wellbeing of the people of the state.
He said it was important to ensure that these supplies reach people for which they are meant to improve health outcomes, noting that the items are not for sale and anyone found diverting them will be held accountable.
Governor said the intervention, supported by the Islamic Development Bank, includes over 10,000 cartons of anti-malaria drugs and test kits containing more than 1 million doses for children and nearly two million doses for adults, adding that the supplies will be distributed to 536 government health facilities across the state, including primary healthcare centers, general hospitals, and teaching hospitals.
He told traditional rulers, NGOs, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to join hands with the government in ensuring the success of the initiative.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams said the malaria prevention programme is to ensure that every household has access to malaria test kits, drugs, insecticide-treated nets, and other preventive measures.
He said the intervention is free and focuses on community engagement, describing it as a comprehensive strategy to combat malaria effectively in the state.
