Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, takes proactive measures against malaria, flagging off a comprehensive awareness program and distributing Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets in Kabusa.
Executive Chairman, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, stated the importance of community cleanliness and preventive measures, emphasizing the government’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders for residents’ well-being.
In a statement by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to AMAC Chairman,Kingsley Madaki, said, Addressing residents, Thursday in Abuja, at the flag- off ceremony of the 2024 World Malaria Day Intervention at Kabusa Primary Health Center, Maikalangu said his government will continue to provide all the necessary support to ensure the success of this programme and we shall continue to partner with all relevant agencies and stakeholders in protecting the lives of our people.
He said: “World Malaria Day is observed on April 25th of every year and the theme for this year is ‘Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world’. The initiative is to highlight the burden of malaria and the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control in our various communities.
“Malaria is a killer disease that is caused by the bite of female anopheles mosquitoes. It has continued to be a major public health issue because and is capable of killing both children and adult alike. The major symptoms of malaria are headache, fever, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea.
“You will agree with me that most malaria cases occur during rainy season and many of our children under five years and pregnant women have died due to malaria. The number of people that died due to malaria is enormous.
“Let me use this opportunity to call on our traditional rulers, religious leaders, women leaders, youth leaders and other community stakeholder to join hands together to maintain healthy environment by keeping our surroundings clean, clear bushes around us.
“Clear anything that block drainages and sleep under the insecticide treated nets to avoid fallen victim of this deadly disease. I wish to call on all the resident to take advantage of our health facilities to get medication for malaria and other ailments, because untreated malaria can lead to can lead to other severe diseases like kidney failure and death.
“As a government, we shall continue to provide all the necessary support to ensure the success of this programme and we shall continue to partner with all relevant agencies and stakeholders in protecting the lives of our people.
“Permit me once again to commend AMAC Primary Health Care Department, and other health development partners for their effort at ensuring the fulfillment of this programme.
“By the powers conferred on me as the executive Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council, I hereby flag-off this World Malaria Day Intervention 2024 and distribution of Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets.”
SUPERVISOR COUNCILLOR HARPS ON IMPORTANCE OF PROGRAM
Also speaking, the Supervisory Councillor for Health, AMAC, Hon. Tunji Faoye, emphasised the council’s commitment to health interventions in the country, stating that AMAC conducts routine malaria treatment programmes monthly, visiting households to administer malaria medicine and distribute treated mosquito nets.
Faoye explained that the initiative is part of a broader effort that includes interventions for polio, disease outbreaks, immunization, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
He noted a significant turnout for malaria intervention, particularly among pregnant women and children, indicating the success of the programme.
Faoye also mentioned the presence of 64 health facilities across AMAC, further enhancing access to healthcare services.
On her part, the Officer in-Charge, Kabusa PHC, Mrs Victoria Frederick, commended the AMAC Chairman for the gesture, believing that the impact would be greatly felt among pregnant women and children.
“World Malaria Day has great significance to us in Kabusa environment here because this is the first programme of its kind we are witnessing today.
“More sensitisation and awareness are being created here today. Malaria symptoms, treatment, and prevention were taught here slso. We believe that at the end of this day, there’s going to be a positive change on especially the pregnant mothers.
“We are happy with the testing that is ongoing and with the provision of drugs. Those positives after the test is done will be treated free today. Even those that they are negative will be given the preventive measures to take on. So we are so much grateful for this occasion, ” she said.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Chinasa Chibuzor and Esther Ayuba, commended the gesture, but pleaded for it sustainability.
Highlight of the occasion was free malaria testing for children and pregnant women and the distribution of treatment mosquito nets.
Kingsley Madaki
Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to AMAC Chairman
9/5/2024
Supervisory Councillor for Health, Hon. Tunji Faoye, highlights AMAC’s broader health interventions, including routine malaria treatment programs and access to various healthcare services across 64 facilities.
Officer in-Charge of Kabusa PHC, Mrs. Victoria Frederick, expresses gratitude for the initiative, foreseeing its positive impact on pregnant women and children through increased awareness and access to treatment.
Beneficiaries, Chinasa Chibuzor and Esther Ayuba, commend the program’s benefits and advocate for its sustainability.
The event features free malaria testing for children and pregnant women alongside the distribution of treated mosquito nets.
