BY SAM DUVWODE
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday flagged off Malaria Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITN) Replacement Mass Distribution Campaign in Delta State.
The Governor was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme.
Deputy Chief of Staff, Sir Christopher Osakwe read the Governor”s address at the occasion which took place in Asaba.
Oborevwori noted that, the event marked another significant milestone in the collective effort to combat malaria and improve the quality of life for all Deltans, in line with the vision of his administration.
He said; “In alignment with this administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda of consolidation and continuity, we are resolute in our commitment to intensify and accelerate malaria control efforts with the goal of eventual elimination.
“Malaria prevention must be integrated into a broader strategy of health systems strengthening.
“We are determined to provide an enabling environment for the effective use of ITNs and other preventive strategies.
“We are all aware that malaria is a global health challenge that has plagued humanity for centuries; it is particularly unfortunate that while many Western nations successfully eradicated malaria decades ago, sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear a disproportionate burden.
“In Nigeria, malaria remains the most common and preventable public health issue, yet it continues to claim the lives of our most vulnerable especially children under five and pregnant women.
“Statistics reveal that Nigeria accounts for approximately 25 percent of Africa’s malaria burden.
“According to the 2015 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey, the national prevalence dropped to 27% from 42% in 2010.
“However, we still record nearly 110 million clinically diagnosed cases annually.
“Malaria is responsible for about 30 percent of child deaths and 11 percent of maternal deaths in Nigeria each year.
“In Delta State, our malaria prevalence stands at 10 percent, which is commendable but still calls for intensified efforts.
“We must not relent until this disease is eliminated. “We also commend countries like Egypt, Zanzibar, Rwanda, and others that have made tremendous progress in their journey toward malaria eradication; their achievements serve as inspiration and prove that elimination is indeed possible. “It is important to emphasize that malaria does not discriminate, it affects the rich and poor, the political class and the common man, the religious and non-religious alike.
“It especially endangers pregnant women, young children, and people with weakened immune systems.
“The devastation caused by this tiny but deadly parasite must be met with serious and sustained action.
“Let me congratulate Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, our State Net Ambassador, for her unwavering support and outstanding contributions to the healthcare system in Delta State; her passionate advocacy continues to amplify the message and mobilize communities across our state.”
The governor expressed his appreciation to the Federal Government, the State Ministry of Health, and its partners, State Primary Health Care Development Agency, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, market leaders, and its valued development partners: Global Fund, Society for Family Health (SFH), as well as the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) for their tireless commitment to defeating malaria in Delta State and Nigeria at large.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, represented by Mr. Raphael Onyinlo noted that, Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, saying Nigeria contributes about 27 percent to the global malaria burden, 31 percent global deaths and current prevalence of 22 percent in the country.”
The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, said the flag-off was a clarion call for action as it marks a renewed commitment to protect the Deltans from the scourge of malaria through the widespread distribution of Insecticide-treated nets.
The National Coordinator, National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Dr, Nnenna Ogbulafor, represented by Dr. Esema Mary, said the campaign marks a vital steps in the unwavering commitment of the federal government and its partners to safeguard every citizen of Nigeria, especially the most vulnerable against the devastating effects of malaria by promoting the ownership and consistent use of ITNs.
