The Sokoto State Government has reiterated the need for increased proactive engagements with donor agencies in the fight against malaria and other diseases in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Lema Abubakar, highlighted this during a programme held to mark the ‘World Malaria Day’ in Sokoto.
The event was organised by the state government in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, Malaria Consortium, World Health Organisation and Breakthrough Action Nigeria, among others.
He lauded the partners for the malaria control programmes and other healthcare interventions in the state and reiterated his commitment to sustain their efforts.
Abubakar explained that the present administration had spent a huge amount of money to ensure effective prevention, control and elimination of malaria and other diseases in the state.
He noted that this was in addition to the establishment of the Sokoto State Malaria Elimination Control Agency, which is the first of its kind in the country.
According to him, more still needs to be done because Malaria still accounted for about 80 per cent of deaths recorded in tropical countries, adding that Nigeria alone accounted for about 40 per cent of deaths estimated globally.
The Zonal Programme Manager, Malaria Consortium, Malam Faruku Na-Mallam, described malaria as one of the most challenging diseases in the country.
He described the partners’ efforts as a catalyst in preventing malaria spread and urged government and other donors to live up to expectations.
He enjoined health personnel and community members to continue working towards malaria prevention by adhering to stipulated precautionary measures.
(NAN)
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