SSA to President Tinubu, Abiodun Essiet Launches Malaria Eradication Campaign in Jos, North Central Nigeria

Senior Special Assistant to Nigerian President, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central), Mrs Abiodun Essiet has again reassured the Citizens of North Central of the Federal Government’s commitment towards the eradication of Malaria and enhancing a more healthier population.
She dropped the hints on Tuesday 23rd April, 2024 at the Azi Nyako Youth Centre Jos, the Plateau State Capital while launching the sub-national conversation and citizens action on ending Malaria in North Central Region.
She hinted that under the “Change the Narrative Now” the campaign is aimed to engage, protect, integrate and innovate towards elimination of Malaria which has become a Killer disease especially among Children who are below Five (5) Years of age and expectant Mothers.
She averred that the Campaign became imperative considering the number of deaths that are associated with Malaria which she said can be death with even at the Primary Health Centres’ level.

In her words “We decided to engage in this project with our Partners; Roll back Malaria, Federal Ministry of Health and other Stakeholders to see how to engage Members of the Community on innovating ways of preventing mosquitoes breeding as well as malaria in Nigeria”
She emphasized the roles of Community participation and observing simple yet effective good personal hygiene such as cleanliness and ensuring proper drainage to prevent mosquitoes the transmitting agents of Malaria from breeding.
She appreciated President Bola Tinubu for supporting the Campaign and urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu and continue to accord him greater supports as he work towards fixing the economic problems in order to make lives better.
She said malaria is preventable and treatable. She called on Government at all levels to increase budgetary provisions to the Health Sector and ensure cash backings are also made to achieve a healthier population which will translate to a more productive and prosperous Nation.

Mrs Grace Babalola the Chief Nursing Officer of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) in her paper presentation highlighted that combating Malaria should be beyond the Nets and disclosed that Stakeholders have significant roles to play in combating Malaria. The Public Health Expert provided details on the clinical aspects of malaria, from symptoms and diagnosis to transmission pathways, emphasizing the critical need for testing and early treatment.

There was questions and answers session which enabled the Participants to obtain clarifications on troubling issues thereby widening their horizon on the transmission of Malaria and prevention strategies. The interaction fostered a dynamic exchange of knowledge, crucial for the grassroots mobilization needed to tackle malaria effectively.
Goodwill messages came from Traditional Rulers, government Representatives, Community Leaders and other Stakeholders.

Highlights of the event were the road work, clearing/cleaning of drainages, community sensitization, testing and provision of drugs to those tested with Malaria.