Traditional leaders have been recognized as Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) Champions as the Malaria Consortium convenes its 2024 End-of-Round Review Meeting in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
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The State Programme Manager of the Malaria Consortium (MC), Hajia Hafsat Musa-Baba, made the call for continued advocacy for a malaria-free society during the event.
She noted that the review meeting provides an opportunity to reflect on the performance of the 2024 SMC round, from pre-implementation to post-implementation activities, and to chart a roadmap for the 2025 SMC round.
Hajia Musa-Baba highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration with community gatekeepers, particularly traditional leaders who were identified as SMC champions during advocacy efforts.
She also commended the Nasarawa State team, SMEP, Local Government Area (LGA) teams, and traditional leaders for their invaluable support.
In addition, she acknowledged the Nasarawa State Government for its contributions to Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC), last-mile distribution efforts, and the provision of mRDT and ACTs to SMC-implementing facilities.
Speaking at the event, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health, Hon. Gaza Gwamna, praised the Malaria Consortium for its efforts.
“It is clearly evident that malaria prevalence among children under five has significantly reduced.”
The Paramount traditional ruler of the Nunku Chiefdom in Nasarawa State, the Chunku, His Royal Highness Habila Adamu Aboki, who served as host and a representative of all traditional leaders, expressed his gratitude.
He commended the collaborative efforts of the state and the Malaria Consortium in reducing malaria among children under five, noting its positive socio-economic impact.
The State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), Hajia Izzatu Yakubu-Akwe, also acknowledged the Malaria Consortium’s unwavering support, which has brought the state closer to achieving a malaria-free future, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3.
This event underscores the pivotal role of traditional leaders and collaboration in the fight against malaria in Nasarawa State.
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