28th January, 2025
By Richard Elesho/Kogi
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has launched an initiative to provide free malaria testing and treatment in government hospitals. The program is vital to the government’s dream of a robust health care delivery system.
At the launch of the initiative in Government House, Lokoja, on Tuesday, Ododo highlighted the importance of the Ministry’s efforts to enhance the Famkris Healthcare Initiative, designed to improve healthcare services across the state.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that healthcare services are accessible and affordable for all citizens of the state.
He commended the Ministry of Health’s development partners for their commitment and dedication to advancing healthcare development in the state.
Earlier, the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adeiza spike about the devastating impact of malaria in Nigeria, citing alarming statistics.
According to him, Nigeria accounts for 65 million of the global cases of malaria, with 193,512 deaths recorded in 2023 alone. This translates to one death every four hours.
Dr. Abdulazeez stressed that children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the disease, with a prevalence rate of 16% among children aged 6-59 months, which is lower than the national average of 32%. Despite this, many children still lose their lives to malaria.
The Commissioner commended the State Government’s efforts to tackle the disease and also acknowledged the substantial decrease in malaria prevalence in Kogi State, from 34% to 16%, according to a 2021 survey.
He assured that the State Ministry of Health will ensure the effective distribution of malaria drugs and test kits, warning that any diversion or sale of the items will be sanctioned.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Enehe Omeneke acknowledged the devastating impact of malaria on communities, particularly in riverine areas and rural communities, where it has continued to remain the cause of morbidity and mortality.
She, however, noted that the significant progress recorded in recent years in the control and elimination of malaria was driven by the World Health Organisation, WHO’s global strategy.
The high point of the event was the symbolic distribution and presentation of the malaria drugs and healthcare kits by Ododo to the personnel charged with the exercise.
