Edo announces progress in malaria fight

In the spirit of World Malaria Day 2024, Dr Williams Iyekekpolor, the manager of the Edo Malaria Elimination Programme, on Thursday disclosed that the malaria prevalence rate in the state has reduced to 30 per cent.

According to the manager of the programme, the state’s aim is to achieve World Health Organization (WHO)’s zero malaria target by 2030.

He said that Edo state was already making pogress in combating malaria, as malaria has reduced from 50 per cent to 30 per cent within two years.

Iyekekpolor further spoke on the theme of 2024 World Malaria Day, “Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World” with the slogan “Change the Narrative; Do the Needful”.

He mentioned that 80 to 85 per cent of the patients in the hospitals are malaria patients.

According to him, the fight is a collective fight for individuals, government and health practioners.

He said that the state insurance scheme had an almost-free malaria treatment plan for registered patients of the scheme.

He also mentioned that the state government is currently offering free malaria tests and treatment in all its Primary Health Care centres.

He advised residents to keep a clean environment devoid of stagnant water, sleep under long-lasting insecticidal nets, and seek immediate treatment when sick with malaria.

He closed his speech by disclosing that a road walk across the city centre, as well as free malaria screening and treatment, will be carried out to celebrate the World Malaria Day.