It’s TRUE the world presently is faced with dealing with the novel coronavirus which has been receiving global attention and response. However, the toll of malaria won’t stop as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. A halt in progress now will bring unnecessary SUFFERING and LOSS of LIFE.
We join the world today to commemorate World Malaria Day, with the Theme: Zero malaria begins with me. Malaria is still one of the most serious global health problems, there are one million estimated deaths each year with nearly seventy percent (75%) caused by Malaria.
Malaria is a life threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female anopheles mosquitoes. Globally 3.3billion people in 106 countries are at risk of malaria, therefore the goal this year is grassroots campaign aimed to empower communities to take ownership of malaria prevention and cure.
Investment in the fight against malaria supports the fight against covid-19 and save the lives of most vulnerable: that is, pregnant women and children.
We therefore call on community leaders, health care givers, government, etc to always make insecticide treated nets available at health centres and hospitals. A robust health system is a first line of defence against age-old public health challenges such as malaria and the new ones like covid-19.
Individuals must also take responsibility especially pregnant women and children in preventing malaria through several precautionary measures which includes:
📍Collect LLITNs at the health centres and sleep inside the insecticide treated nets.
📍Practice good hygiene
📍Clear your drainages of waste and water logs.
📍Use mosquitoes repellants
📍Use effective insecticides
📍Use protective clothing especially at night
📍Recognize symptoms and go for testing
Malaria is preventable and curable. Take action today to bring malaria to zero⭕