The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has called for renewed collective action to eliminate malaria, describing the disease as preventable despite its continued toll on vulnerable populations.
In a statement issued on Saturday to mark World Malaria Day, observed annually on 25 April and led by the World Health Organisation, Soludo urged greater awareness, responsibility and commitment from citizens, health authorities and stakeholders to curb the spread of the disease.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must,” Soludo stressed that simple preventive measures, including the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, environmental sanitation and timely medical care, could significantly reduce infection rates, particularly among children and pregnant women.
“Malaria remains a major public health challenge, especially for our children and pregnant women. Yet, it is both preventable and treatable.”
“By taking simple but effective steps, such as using insecticide-treated nets, keeping our environment clean, and seeking prompt medical care, we can save lives and protect our communities,” Nonye stated.
Soludo, founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative, said the state government remained committed to supporting public health interventions aimed at reducing the malaria burden.
“The fight against malaria is a shared responsibility. Together, we can build a future where no family loses a loved one to a disease we have the power to prevent,” she added.