The prevalence of malaria in Zamfara state had reduced from 25 to 13 percent from 2020 to date, according to the State Malaria Programme Manager, Dr Sanusi Bello.
Dr Bello disclosed this in Gusau on Monday while speaking at a road show rally to mark the 2022 World Malaria Day organised by the State branch of the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event with a theme: “Advance equity, build resilience, end malaria” started from Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital and terminated at Gusau Emir’s palace.
The Programme Manager noted that the state recorded tremendous successes in malaria elimination as a result of government’s commitment and support from its partners.
“According to him, the malaria prevalence reduced to 13 percent.
“We are now waiting for the survey conducted in 2021 and I am giving you assurance that when the result is released, we expect that the malaria prevalence in the state would further go down.
“In 2020, and 2021, the state government contributed N159 million and N56 million respectively for various malaria elimination projects.
“We also received donations of 13 motorcycles and supervision vehicles from the 14 local government council chairmen in the state”, the Programme Manager explained.
He commended the Red Cross Society and other partners for their kind support, especially in the areas of social mobilisation and awareness creation on malaria activities, malaria care and treatment, drugs and commodity supply as well as management and data.
The Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, while receiving the partners at his palace, commended the Red Cross Society and other partners for their contributions in the fight against malaria.
Represented by the Secretary to the Emirate, Alhaji Sambo A-Sambo, the emir urged communities to place emphasis on sanitation and hygiene.
“We should also avoid blockage of waterways in our communities in order to discourage the spread of mosquitoes in our houses,”, the Emir said.
The traditional ruler assured of the continued support and cooperation from the emirate to government at all levels and development partners, on malaria eradication in the state.
Earlier, the State Team Lead, Red Cross Society, Ibrahim Garba said that as one of the partners supporting malaria elimination and disease surveillance in the state, the Society organised the rally to mark World Malaria Day as set aside by World Health Organization (WHO).
“We are working in Eight security compromised LGAs supporting the state to extend malaria eradication services to hard-to-reach communities in the state”, Garba added.(NAN)
