National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Faith Toye
The Kogi State Government has announced plans to spend over N4 billion on malaria prevention as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah, on Wednesday, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo made the announcement during the launch of a statewide malaria prevention campaign, which includes the distribution of free anti-malaria drugs and test kits across government healthcare facilities.
Speaking at the Government House in Lokoja on Tuesday, the governor emphasised that the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to promoting healthy living and reducing the burden of malaria.
As part of the intervention, the government will distribute anti-malaria drugs, rapid diagnostic test kits, and over three million insecticide-treated nets. Governor Ododo stressed that malaria remains a major public health challenge, affecting thousands of lives in Nigeria every year.
He referenced the 2024 World Malaria Report, which revealed that Africa accounted for 94% of global malaria cases in 2023, with Nigeria contributing 30% of the 5,970 deaths recorded.
The governor expressed concern that Kogi State’s malaria prevalence rate of 16% exceeds the national target of less than 10%, making urgent intervention necessary.
He also warned against the diversion of malaria prevention supplies, stating that they are meant for communities and must not be sold. Anyone caught engaging in such activities will face strict penalties.
The initiative, supported by the Islamic Development Bank, includes over 10,000 cartons of anti-malaria drugs and test kits with more than one million doses for children and nearly two million doses for adults.
These supplies will be distributed to 536 government health facilities, including primary healthcare centers, general hospitals, and teaching hospitals.
Governor Ododo commended healthcare workers for their dedication, describing them as frontline soldiers in the battle against malaria.
He also urged traditional rulers, NGOs, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to collaborate with the government to ensure the program’s success.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the health sector, the governor expressed confidence that this initiative, alongside federal healthcare reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will significantly reduce malaria prevalence and improve the quality of life for Kogi residents.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, reiterated the importance of the malaria prevention program, emphasising its focus on ensuring every household has access to malaria test kits, drugs, and insecticide-treated nets.
He assured the public that the intervention is completely free and aims to enhance community engagement as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat malaria across Kogi State.
