3rd August, 2011
The Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis and Leprosy (BACATMA), has begun collaboration with traditional rulers to curb the menace of malaria in the state.
The Chairman of BACATMA, Muhammed Sambo, made this known in Bauchi during a meeting with key malaria control agencies.
Sambo named NGOs and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) as other bodies whose support had been enlisted.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was held under the auspices of BACATMA, in collaboration with Human Progressive Union, Kofar Gabas, Bauchi, Progressive Union and Fasaha Women Group of Jama’are.
Sambo, who was represented by the Director of Communications of the agency, Idris Sambo, said the aim of the mobilisation drive was to show the roles being played by NGOs and CBOs in the fight against malaria.
He called on organisations and associations to educate their members on the need to embark on sanitation exercise such as cleaning of gutters and evacuation of refuse in their areas, to complement efforts of the agency.
The chairman also called on traditional rulers to support and assist other stakeholders during enlightenment campaigns.
Leaders of various NGOs and CBOs in their separate responses, called for the provision of more insecticide bed-nets to shield more mothers and children from mosquito bites.
They complained of shortage of funds and working materials, which according to them, was making their operation very difficult.