From Esther Akaa, Lafia
The Nasarawa State government has called for increased partnership between relevant stakeholders to help eliminate malaria in the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Pharmacist Ahmed Yahaya, made the call at a media parley held on Sunday in Lafia as part of activities commemorating the 2022 World Malaria Day.
According to him, Malaria was dangerous and responsible for the death of many people, hence the need for increased collaborations between relevant stakeholders to fight against the killer disease.
He noted that the state government, in collaboration with some partners had done a lot aimed towards eliminating the disease, saying the state alongside its partners recently distributed over 2 million treated nets to residents of the state.
“Malaria is a dangerous disease that is caused by a bite of a female anopheles mosquito and its consequences is seen more among pregnant women and children who less than five years of age. Malaria is capable of causing intrauterine growth retardation of an unborn child, abortion, pre-termed labour, renal failure and death.
“The uncomplicated malaria cases can be handled by Primary Healthcare Centres while severe cases would be handled at the secondary and tertiary facilities,” he said.
The commissioner therefore, urged residents of the state to desist from self medication and visit any health facility in the state for testing and subsequent treatment of malaria.
He also advised the public to guard against the disease by sleeping inside insecticide treated nets everyday.
Also speaking, State Program Manager of BreakThrough Action Nigeria, Mr Ohobo Thomas, said winning the fight against malaria was possible if everyone sleeps under treated mosquito nets.
He said that those diagnosed with malaria should ensure that they take all prescribed drugs to complete treatment.
“It is not good for one to stop taking malaria drugs half way into the treatment, therefore, everyone diagnosed must complete their treatment, in order to avoid complications,” he said.
Earlier, Director of Public Health at the state Ministry of Health, Dr Ibrahim Alhassan said the media parley was to create awareness on how to reduce the burden of malaria in the state.
He commended journalists for their support to the campaign towards eliminating malaria in the state and called for its sustenance.