In commemoration of this year’s World Malaria Day, the standing committee on Public Health, University of Benin Medical Students Association in collaboration with Medical Women Association of Nigeria, MWAN, Edo State on Friday, organised a sensitization program in Benin City. The event held at Uselu market gave participants the opportunity to access free malaria tests and drugs.
Dr. Ehi Isa, President Medical Women Association of Nigeria, MWAN, Edo State, while speaking on the theme of this year’s commemoration “Time to deliver Zero Malaria, invest, innovate, implement” emphasis the need to join hands to eradicate malaria completely.
Doctor Isa stated “it is possible to have a world free of malaria and that is why we are creating awareness and we are also saying that it is possible for you to get prevention for malaria and treatment for malaria. We are particularly talking about the vulnerable people in our society like the children and women and we know that children and women, especially pregnant women, have high risk of contacting malaria and we do not want children and women to die just because of malaria.
“So we are advocating and we are saying that there is treatment available. Early detections can help to prevent the complications that can arise from malaria.”
Speaking further, Dr. Isa stressed the need to keep the environment clean and avoid stagnant water where mosquitoes breed near residences. Addressing the participants, who came out in their numbers, Uhunmwuosere Sandis and Osaguona Success, Local Officers Standing Committee on Public Health, UBTH, told them to be wary of stagnant water and overgrown grasses which are breeding sites for mosquitoes.
“We need to make sure you take care of your environments because this vector, female anopheles mosquito breed in dirty environment.
“Use treated and long lasting mosquito nets. It is very important and it is particularly advisable for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers with children, and you can actually spray your house, with the use of mosquito repellents.
“The main significance of this day is to create awareness on malaria. The rate of Nigerians living with malaria is high and prevention is key.”
Some of the beneficiaries appreciated MWAN, Edo State and Medical Students Association, UBTH, for organizing such a laudable programme urging them to continue to ensure a free malaria society.
World Malaria Day is an international observance commemorated every year on 25th April and recognizes global efforts to control malaria.
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