… intensifies efforts to eliminate malaria
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State at the weekend, flagged off the distribution of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) across the 25 Local Government Areas of the State.
He also emphasised the significance of the Malaria ITN Replacement Mass Distribution Campaign.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by Monday Onyeme, his Deputy, said that the exercise marked a significant milestone in the collective effort to combat malaria and improve the quality of life for all Deltans.
He said that his Administration is committed to intensifying and accelerating malaria control efforts with the goal of eliminating the spread of the tropical disease in the State.
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He added that the campaign aligns with his Administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda of consolidation and continuity.
The governor’s address which was read by Ifeanyi Osakwe, the Deputy Governor’s Chief of Staff, said his Administration is determined to providing an enabling environment for the effective use of insecticide-treated nets and other preventive strategies to combat the spread of the killer disease in the State.
He revealed that statistics indicated that Nigeria accounted for approximately 25% of Africa’s malaria burden, adding that
the prevention must be integrated into a broader strategy of health systems strengthening.
While highlighting that the disease endangered the life of pregnant women, young children, and people with weakened immune systems, Governor Oborevwori noted that “the devastation caused by this tiny but deadly parasite must be met with serious and sustained action.”
He said while malaria is responsible for about 30% of child mortality and 11% of maternal deaths in Nigeria annually, noted that Delta State malaria prevalence stands at 10%, which according to the governor, is commendable, though he conceded that more efforts would be intensified to reduce the prevalence rate.
We must not relent until this disease is eliminated.” Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed.
The governor while congratulating his wife, Tobore Oborevwori, who is the State Net Ambassador, and founder “You Matter Charity Foundation”, for her unwavering support and outstanding contributions to the healthcare system in the State, commended her for her passionate advocacy for the use of insecticide treated nets.
He also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the State Ministry of Health, and its partners, State Primary Health Care Development Agency, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, market leaders, and its valued development partners for their tireless commitment to defeating malaria.
