26th November, 2023
By Adejoke Adeleye/Ogun
The Civil Society in Malaria Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) in Ogun state has called on governments at all levels to take swift and decisive action towards enhancing their waste management systems to ensure efficient and effective waste disposal to curb the spread of malaria
ACOMIN, through the deputy coordinator, Olalekan Sodipo during a media advocacy on the global fund malaria community-led monitoring project held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, noted that to address the issue of unhygienic living conditions and prevent the spread of malaria, urgent action and collective effort from the public are needed.
He, however, appealed to the Ogun state government to prioritize the health of its citizens by taking swift and decisive action to improve living conditions and eliminate the breeding grounds for malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
While adding that unhygienic living conditions provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes that carry the malaria parasite, he noted that in 2021, approximately 60 million Nigerians did not have access to clean water and safe sanitation facilities.
He added that the lack of basic amenities makes it difficult to maintain proper hygiene and dispose of waste appropriately, hindering efforts to eliminate malaria in Nigeria as malaria incidences thrive in areas with unsanitary conditions, such as stagnant water, poor drainage systems, and inadequate waste management.
“Female Anopheles mosquitoes, which carry the malaria parasite, breed in sources of stagnant water like open drains, and uncovered water containers. Improper waste disposal, including open dumping sites, uncollected garbage, and littered areas contribute to the problem by creating additional breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” he added while advising that to address the issue of unhygienic living conditions and prevent the spread of malaria, urgent action and collective effort from the public are needed.
“Sleeping under Insecticide-Treated Nets is crucial as they provide a physical barrier against mosquitoes, these nets are effective in reducing the risk of infection, especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and young children.
“Additionally, individuals can protect themselves by wearing long-sleeved clothing when outdoors, particularly during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
“Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, by eliminating potential breeding sites, individuals can help reduce the mosquito population, this includes emptying, covering, or treating containers that hold water, such as buckets, flowerpots, and discarded tires.
“Properly Prompt diagnosis and treatment are also crucial in managing malaria. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and body aches, should seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
“We appeal to the government to prioritize the health of its citizens by taking swift and decisive action to improve living conditions and eliminate the breeding grounds for malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
“There is also a need to enhance waste management systems to ensure efficient and effective waste disposal and develop sustainable solutions and initiatives aimed at improving living conditions.
“Government at all levels should increase the budgetary allocation for hospital infrastructure and equipment, implement effective recruitment and retention strategies to attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals and prioritize the development of reliable electricity and water infrastructure in healthcare facilities.
“As part of a national effort to address the challenges of Malaria in Nigeria, ACOMIN is working with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) on the Global Fund (GF) Malaria Grant to implement the civil society component.”