The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, joins the rest of the world to mark the World
Malaria Day observed annually on April 25.
On this Day, NAWOJ stresses the urgent need for the Federal Government to develop a strong
political will towards eliminating malaria in the country.
According to the 2019 World Malaria Report, by the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria had
the highest number of global malaria cases (25 % of global malaria cases) in 2018 and accounted for the highest number of deaths (24 % of global malaria deaths).
NAWOJ frowns at this alarming figure, noting that this year’s theme: “Zero Malaria, Draw the Line
Against Malaria,” is an indication that malaria is preventable. Therefore, every malaria death is
unacceptable.
It notes that as a country that bears the brunt of malaria burden, Nigeria should therefore be leading the cause to stamp out malaria by 2030.
NAWOJ emphasised the need for a strong primary health care system that must ensure access to malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment services.
NAWOJ urges Nigerians, as individuals, to take personal responsibility to eliminate malaria in the country, as zero malaria in the country begins with every Nigerian.
It is imperative for Nigerians to imbibe the culture of sleeping under insecticide treated mosquito
nets, particularly pregnant women and children from age zero to five, while eliminating mosquito
breeding sites as well as proper sanitation of surroundings will help in the fight against the deadly disease.
NAWOJ, therefore, calls on women groups, non governmental organizations and other concerned
bodies to intensify advocacy and awareness campaigns to enlist the support of all and sundry in the fight against the disease.
Funmi Adekoya
pub-5160901092443552
Related Posts
