Chima Azubuike
As the world marks Malaria Day, With the theme; ‘Time to Deliver Cero Malaria: Invest, Innovate, Implement’, there seems to be hope for zero malaria going by the recent breakthrough recorded via the new vaccine.
This was made known by the Programme Manager, Gombe State Malaria Elimination Programme, Ubayo Ali, in an interview with newsmen shortly after a rally to mark the World Malaria Day.
Ali said that the said vaccine was recently approved in Ghana and Nigeria, adding that 100,000 doses would be used as a pilot in Nigeria.
He said the vaccine had proven to be efficacious for the treatment of malaria in children, hence, its approval for use in Nigeria.
Speaking about the Gombe State malaria prevention experience, he said, “There is a 12 per cent decrease in malaria prevalence in three years. The rate dropped from 33 per cent to 18 per cent.”
He said this was achieved through series of prevention activities, which include surveillance, monitoring and evaluation, procurement and supply chain management, advocacy communication and social media mobilisation
“All these will continue until there is a zero tolerance of the disease in the state and federation,” Ali added.
He advised the people to always ensure that their environment is clean, sleep under mosquito treated nets and visit the nearest health facility if they feel any symptom of malaria.
Ali also said there are free malaria prevention services offered in 352 health facilities across the state.
Earlier, the malaria Elimination Programme Office with the support of Non-Governmental Organisations and partners, conducted a rally that commenced from Gidan Magani to the Gombe main roundabout through the Jekadafari area.
Those that participated in he rally shared interpersonal communication materials on prevention and treatment of malaria.
The world Malaria Day is celebrated every April 25 globally and its meant to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria control and treatment.
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