Anambra State Government has joined the global community in commemorating the 2024 World Malaria Day, underlining the imperative of concerted efforts to combat the persistent threat of malaria.
During a press briefing held in Awka, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, emphasized the significance of this year’s theme, “Time to Deliver Zero Malaria: Invest, Innovate and Implement.” Dr. Obidike underscored malaria’s preventable and treatable nature but lamented its continued devastating impact, particularly on vulnerable populations, as evidenced by the World Malaria Report 2023.
Dr. Obidike revealed that Nigeria accounted for a staggering 67 million out of the estimated 249 million global malaria cases reported, highlighting the urgent need for intensified intervention efforts. In Anambra State, he disclosed an estimated incidence rate of 199.7 malaria cases per 100 population, prompting proactive measures such as the distribution of 3.8 million insecticide-treated nets in collaboration with the Malaria Consortium.
Under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s leadership, initiatives such as the Free Antenatal Care scheme have been instrumental in malaria prevention, with pregnant women receiving Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine to mitigate risks during pregnancy. Dr. Obidike expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for his unwavering commitment to combating malaria and acknowledged the invaluable support of partners such as the Malaria Consortium and the World Health Organization, Anambra State office.
Dr. Obidike urged Anambra residents to adopt preventive measures, including maintaining clean environments, seeking proper diagnosis and treatment at healthcare facilities, and utilizing insecticide-treated nets for sleeping.
Representing the World Health Organization (WHO), Mr. Ndubuisi Orji commended the state government’s dedication to malaria elimination and pledged ongoing support from WHO to enhance healthcare outcomes in Anambra.
This year’s theme, “Accelerating the Fight against Malaria for a More Equitable World,” encapsulates the collective resolve to confront malaria’s challenges head-on, with the rallying cry, “Let’s Change the Narrative Now.”
Among those in attendance at the briefing was Mr. Nonso Ndibe, the Anambra State Malaria Programme Manager, underscoring the collaborative efforts driving malaria control initiatives in the state.
