In its efforts to eliminate malaria, the Kwara State Government has advised residents, most especially, women, to use the Integrated Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) judiciously, describing malaria as a killer disease, thus, the need for preventive measures, which is more cost effective than curative measures.
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The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Abosede Olaitan Buraimoh, gave this advice when the Society for Family Health paid a familiarization visit to her office.
Buraimoh, who disclosed that over two millions Integrated Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) will be distributed to the people through a door-to-door approach across the 16 Local Government Areas of the State, remarked that malaria has significant consequences, particularly, for vulnerable populations like children and women.
The Commissioner commended the State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for placing high priority on the health sector in Kwara State.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Musa Olanrewaju Okanlawon, promised to collaborate with the Agency in sensitising people at the grassroots about the importance of using Integrated Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) to curb the menace of malaria fever in the State.
Earlier, the Team Leader & Technical Director, Society for Family Health, Mr John Ocholi, commended the State government for collaborating with the National Malaria Elimination Programme in order to eliminate malaria in the State.
He pointed out that the distribution of the Integrated Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) will be carried out on a door-to-door basis across all the 16 Local Government Areas of the State.
“Malaria is a leading cause of illness and death in Nigeria, contributing to high child mortality rates and reduced productivity. Untreated malaria can result in complications such as anaemia, organ failure, and even death”, he stated.