By Jovitta Iorshase
The National Youth Network on HIV/AIDS, Public Health and Development Initiative (NYNETHA) Benue state chapter has sensitised about 5000 persons on the dangers and preventive management of malaria as they joined other related bodies to mark 2021 World Malaria Day.
NYNETHA Program Manager, Mr Pius Ogolekwu, who highlighted their achievements in the fight against malaria as perceived knowledge by individuals on the use of mosquito nets, personal and environmental hygiene among others maintained that, to scale up demands for malaria prevention and management; children, pregnant women, women of child bearing age and breast feeding mothers must be reached timely with malaria prevention approaches.
Mr Ogolekwu further stated that poised to contribute their quota to the fight against malaria, NYNETHA was able to to reach 150 children, women of child bearing age and pregnant women directly, through community out reach at Agwan Jukun community of Makurdi, Benue State recently where about 5000 persons were sensitised on the prevention, diagnosis and eradication of the disease through verbal door-to-door awareness creation, electronic media and print media.
Also speaking, the state Coordinator, Mr Benjamin Anhange, said the theme: “Zero Malaria-Draw the line against malaria” indicates the nation’s intention to eradicate malaria completely in the near future.
“The desire to organize this sensitisation was to collaborate with other bodies, in order to eliminate malaria in high burden settings by 2025,” he explained.
He stated that, since 2000, the world has made historic progress against malaria as compared to the past. He however, cautioned that half of the world is still at the mercy of the dangerous but preventable and treatable disease.
“We recorded successes in the fight against malaria and highlighted responsibilities. If we have to end malaria, I urge leaders to step up the fight and get us closer to a free world,” he advised.
Some of the youth focused campaign slogans were; “Zero malaria starts with me and “Draw the line against malaria” among others.
