Malaria claims the lives of at least nine Nigerians every hour, according to Daniel Gbue, the Media and Communications Specialist for the Global Fund project of the Society for Family Health (SFH).
Citing statistics, Gbue also noted that one in every five malaria-related deaths worldwide occurs in Nigeria.
Speaking at a media orientation in Abeokuta, Gbue emphasised the need to intensify efforts against malaria, especially through the distribution of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) as part of the 2024 universal coverage campaign.
John Ocholi, the Project Director of the Global Fund Project at SFH, added that the campaign aims to improve the health of Nigerians, particularly in rural areas where the risk of malaria is highest.
The initiative is focused on prevention, which could save lives and reduce the financial burden of treating the disease.
Ocholi pointed out that Ogun State has one of the lowest levels of ITN utilization globally, with just 30% of residents using mosquito nets, despite a 60-70% ownership rate.
He urged people to use the nets correctly, stressing that airing them for 24 hours before use and sleeping under them every night could significantly reduce mosquito bites and malaria transmission.
Olamide Adeyinka, Ogun State’s Malaria Program Manager, discussed the state’s efforts to increase net usage through community mobilization and interpersonal communication. Civil society organizations are engaging in house-to-house campaigns in 10 local governments to educate people on the benefits of ITNs and address concerns about their use. Adeyinka affirmed that the state is ready to distribute over 3 million mosquito nets, with the involvement of about 14,000 personnel, alongside ongoing advocacy efforts targeting traditional, religious, and communit
