Olu Samuel

The Kogi State Governnor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has launched free malaria testing and treatment in all government hospitals in the state.

Speaking at the launch ceremony on Tuesday,the governor said the initiative was part of strategic efforts to combat malaria and enhance healthcare outcomes for its residents.

“The launch of this initiative marks the beginning of a comprehensive campaign to provide free malaria testing and treatment in government hospitals”

The governor who highlighted the importance of the Ministry of health efforts to enhance the Familes Healthcare Initiative, designed to improve healthcare services across the state also reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that healthcare services are accessible and affordable for all citizens of Kogi State.

Earlier, the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adeiza, emphasised the devastating impact of malaria in Nigeria, citing alarming statistics.

According to him, “Nigeria accounts for 65 million of the global cases of malaria, with 193,512 deaths recorded in 2023 alone. This translates to one death every four hours, with 23 people succumbing to malaria every hour.’

Dr. Abdulazeez stressed that children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to malaria, with a prevalence rate of 16% among children aged 6-59 months, which is lower than the national average of 32%. Despite this, many children still lose their lives to malaria.

The Commissioner commended the State Government’s efforts to address malaria, including the seasonal malaria chemo-prophylaxis program, which has significantly reduced morbidity and mortality among children under five.

He also acknowledged the substantial decrease in malaria prevalence in Kogi State, from 34% to 16%, according to a 2021 survey.

While announcing the launch of the new malaria treatment intervention targeting older age groups, which will complement the existing program for children,the Commissioner assured that the State Ministry of Health will ensure the effective distribution of malaria drugs and test kits, warning that any diversion or sale of these items will be sanctioned.