FROM MUHAMMAD S MARADUN.
The Zamfara government in partnership with the PMI/USAID and other implementing partners would conduct Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) compaign Targeting more than five Million eligible children in the state.
This was stated by the commissioner of health Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed Kanoma in a press briefing on 2021 World Malaria Day held at the ministry’s Conference hall at JB Yakubu secretariat Gusau.
Kanoma explained that, the state has held it’s last Mass insecticide Treated Nets (INT) distribution campaigns of 3.1m (3,100,000) in 2020 and it was integrated with Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) where Over 4.4m (4,489,329) Medicines were distributed across the 14 local government areas in the state.
“Compaign implementation costs that were supported by PMI and Zamfara state government tuned up to #832,482,811” he added.
Kanoma further that, Malaria remains one of the leading courses of outpatient attendence in the State.
Despite this challenge, the malaria fight is one of the most inspiring global stories of the time.
“With this, the state government will work hand in hand with other partners towards the total eradication of Malaria in the state.
” Partner’s has also supported the state with procurement and distribution of Malaria Communities Such as Anti Malaria drugs (ACT), Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits (MRDT) and in addition to Community Sensitization and Social Mobilization of the general public on the key Malaria Messeges” he said.
The Commissioner also said, the state has made some progress towards Malaria elimination, which the Ministry has formed a good strategic partnership with stakeholders that include media, traditional and Religious Institution and implementing partners to reduce the state Malaria burden.
” The aim of this world Malaria day is to create awareness about Malaria and it’s devastating effect globally and provide an opportunity for government and international Communities to intensify efforts towards providing access to affordable, safe and effective malaria interventions to all populations”, he added.
” Despite the progress being made, there is still room for improvement, so I urged citizens to continue cooperate with the state ministry of health and state Malaria Elimination programme that bring initiatives that improve our collective wellbeing” as he said.
The Commissioner commended the Zamfara State Governor for leading the fight against Malaria in the state and also thanked some partners, such as Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N), SMEP, PMI/USAID, WHO, and State ACSM core group.
The theme of this year Commemoration is”Zero Malaria – Draw the line Against Malaria” while the slogan is ” Stand up – Take Action”.
