By Rotimi Famakin
Malaria disease according to the World Health Organization constitutes one of the leading causes of death in Nigeria and Africa.
Therefore, as part of efforts towards ending the scourge of malaria in Oyo state, no fewer than five hundred rural dwellers in Ibadan have benefited from a two-day awareness programme on environmental control of mosquitoes.
The programme organized by the Environment, Health and Safety Research Group at the Centre for Intellectual Property Protection and Commercialization, CIPPaC, University of Ibadan in collaboration with LG Electronics was held in two rural communities, Idi-Ayunre, Oluyole Local government and Kube Attendant Community, Total garden, ibadan North Local government area of Oyo state.
Addressing participants on the theme of the programme, Environmental control of mosquitoes: A measure for reducing malaria at the household level, the guest lecturer who is also the Director of CIPPaC, Professor Oladapo Okareh exposed participants to species of mosquitoes, mode of operations, blood preference of mosquitoes, environmental conditions that attract and repel mosquito as well as, preventive measures among other issues.
Professor Okareh explained that mosquitoes not only survive in dirty environments but also prefer the blood group that enhances reproduction in females.
While stressing the need for government funding and support targeting the right rural health promoters to increase awareness, the CIPPaC Director noted that malaria was prevalent in the rainy season due to the increase in the mosquito population.
Professor Okareh who advised participants to avoid the use of odourless mosquito repellants due to their health hazards, however encouraged the gathering to use mosquito-treated nets, maintain a clean bedroom environment and freshen up before retiring to bed at night.
“Yes, we have been to other communities. The essence is to create awareness and then a little intervention. LG supported us with mosquito-treated nets
What informed the drive is to create awareness on the need for environmental cleanliness”.
Representative of LG Electronics Mr Favour Umanah said LG has developed an air conditioner with an inbuilt mosquito repellant useful for all households.
Chairman, of Oluyole Local government, Mr Akeem Olatunji and Chairman of Kube-Attendant Community, Mr Abraham Odeyale who commended the timely intervention of the programme said malaria remains a leading cause of death in Nigeria and Africa.
Mr Olatunji and Odeyale while soliciting a repeat of a similar programme, advised participants to disseminate the information to their neighbours and make good use of the training and mosquito-treated nets given them.
“Our local government is in the rural area. We have a high rate of death. Participants were drawn from the ten wards of the local government well represented here.
What interests me most is that the lecturer told them to tell their neighbours and tell other neighbours”
We appreciate the lecture. Malaria kills a high number of people nowadays.”
Some of the participants including Mrs Omowunmi Olalere, Mr Adesina Adele, Kazeem Adewoyin and Mrs Abiola Akindele described the awareness programme as worthwhile.
The high point of the event was the presentation of mosquito-treated nets and other accessories to beneficiaries.
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