The Yobe State Government said it has reduced the rate of malaria prevalence in the state from 42 per cent to 27 per cent since 2013.
The Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Management Board, Dr Kundi Machina stated this during a chat with reporters in Damaturu on Monday to mark this year’s Malaria Day.
Dr Machina explained that the success was achieved through various scientifically-proven interventions that took place in the state, including mass distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and seasonal malaria chemoprevention targeting children less than five years and intermittent preventive therapy for expectant mothers.
“The Yobe State Government has made huge progress in the fight against malaria since 2013; resulting in a significant reduction in malaria burden.
“The 2013 NDHS shows that malaria is now responsible for two out of 10 deaths in children less than five years, as against 30 per cent in previous years…the NMIS 2015 shows a remarkable fall in the malaria prevalence from 42 per cent to 27 per cent which is a commendable stride in the government’s effort to stem malaria,” Dr Machina said.
He added that the state government, with partners, distributed 2.2 million long-lasting insecticide nets (LLINs) in a massive campaign across the 17 local government areas.
According to him, plans are at an advanced stage to carry out another massive campaign with partners which is scheduled to commence in August this year and the third round of seasonal malaria chemoprevention in the councils.
Dr Machina called on the private sector to commit more resources to the fight against malaria, stressing that the huge resources required to fight the scourge can only be realised with the commitment of philanthropists, the private sector and the government.
He thanked the partners for their commitment to the fight.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of goodwill messages from the World Health Organisation (WHO), AHNi and the malaria consortium.