Malaria Prevalence In Ogun State Sparks Health Sector Concern
The Minister of Health, Ali Pate, has expressed concern over the rising prevalence of malaria in Ogun State, highlighting an increase from 22 per cent in 2018 to 25 per cent in 2021. Speaking through a representative, David Oyeleke, on Monday during the launch of an insecticide-treated net (ITN) distribution campaign in Abeokuta, Pate emphasized the need for intensified collaboration to combat malaria and achieve a zero-malaria target in Nigeria.
The event, organized by the Society for Family Health in partnership with the Ogun State and Federal Governments, as well as development partners, aims to distribute 3.1 million insecticide-treated nets across the state to curb the disease.
Nigeria’s Burden of Malaria
Pate noted that malaria remains a critical health challenge for Nigeria, which bears 27 per cent of the global malaria burden and 31 per cent of malaria-related deaths. While the country has made progress, reducing national malaria prevalence from 42 per cent in 2010 to 22 per cent in 2021, Ogun State’s rising figures demand urgent attention.
“This means we must intensify efforts, and the Federal Government is ready to support Ogun State in significantly reducing malaria prevalence and achieving a zero-malaria status,” Pate stated. He urged residents to actively use the distributed nets to prevent mosquito bites, emphasizing that the campaign’s success depends on widespread adoption.
Impact of Malaria on Public Health
Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele reiterated the gravity of malaria’s impact, noting its significant contribution to Nigeria’s healthcare burden. “Malaria accounts for 60 per cent of outpatient visits and 40 per cent of hospital admissions. It is also responsible for 11 per cent of maternal deaths, 25 per cent of infant deaths, and 40 per cent of deaths among children under five,” she said.
She called on community and religious leaders, as well as traditional rulers, to encourage residents to actively participate in the campaign by collecting and using the nets.
Guidelines for Net Usage
To ensure effective use, Salako-Oyedele advised residents to air the nets under shade for 24 hours before use and to sleep under them every night. She assured the public of the Ogun State Government’s continued commitment to combating malaria through targeted interventions, including net distribution.
Campaign Coordination
Dr. John Ocholi, Director of the Society for Family Health, commended the Ogun State Government’s support for the campaign and urged residents with net cards to visit designated distribution centres to collect their nets.
“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 stressed.
A Call to Action
The ITN distribution campaign is a critical step in addressing Ogun State’s malaria prevalence and protecting vulnerable groups, including children and pregnant women. With collaborative efforts from the government, health organizations, and communities, the state aims to reverse the rising trend and achieve a malaria-free future.
