Niger state Government has been tasked to supply more mosquito nets to people living in the rural areas if the target to reduce malaria to the barest minimum.
The call was made by the Network for Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria (NRHJN) to mark the 2021 world malaria Day.
The Niger State chapter of the NRHJN made the appeal when the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muhammed Muhammed Makusidi addressed Journalists as part of activities to commemorate the World Malaria Day at the Ministry’s conference Hall in Minna.
State Coordinator, Network, Hajia Habiba Dauda while calling on the State Government to provide equitable, comprehensive, cost effective and high-quality malaria interventions assured that the Network will support the Government by way of intensified advocacy and awareness campaigns.
Hajia Habiba Dauda said “as part of our responsibility, the Network will continue to support and partner with you to intensify more advocacy and awareness campaigns in the fight against malaria the state. But the Government must be committed to providing essential anti malaria commodities and ensure conducive environment for its supporting partners in fight against malaria in the state”.
Earlier, the state Commissioner of Health, Dr Muhammed Makusidi said children, under five years remain the most vulnerable groups affected by the disease.
Accordingly, he said “Niger state has a malaria prevalence rate of 31.6 percent according to microscopy and a prevalence of 43.8 percent rapid diagnostic test.
“The government has intervened in the area of distribution that amount to about 3.6 million mosquito nets during mass replacement campaign in 2019.
“A total of 1.2 million persons were tested free of charge for malaria using Rapid Diagnostic Test kits in 2020 among other interventions”.
He further commended the Network and other groups for their support towards a malaria free Niger state.