Rotary International, Ogun Advocate Zero Tolerance Against Malaria
The Rotary International District 9110, Nigeria, in collaboration with Ogun and Lagos State governments has made available free anti-malaria drugs and tests in all its health facilities across the two states in a bid to ensure zero tolerance against the scourge of malaria.
The Past President, who also double as the Chairman Roll Back Malaria Committee, Rotary International District 9110, Nigeria, Rotarian Festus Adetonwa made this known during a sensitization walk, to commemorate 2019, World Malaria Day, tagged: “Zero Malaria Start With Me; Join Me,” held in Abeokuta, the state capital
Adetonwa submitted that malaria parasites, transmitted to people through the bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes, which was one of the life-threatening diseases in the world, saying it was preventable and curable if reported at early stage.
He also disclosed that the disease was responsible for the death of most under 5 children and pregnant women, adding that premature delivery, still birth, spontaneous abortion, brain damage, coma, loss of muscle function and sudden death are mostly caused by malaria.
He enjoined members of the public to be hygienically sensitive, by riding their environment of stagnant water, noting that most effective and inexpensive way to prevent malaria transmission was by sleeping under Long Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets.
Speaking earlier, the Director, Public Health Department, Ministry of Health, Dr. Festus Olukayode Soyinka, appreciated the District Governor, Rotarian Kola Shodipo, but said the fight against malaria should not be left for government alone, calling on other stakeholders, especially, well meaning Nigerians to partner with government in order to kick the disease out of the society.
He lamented that people with symptoms of malaria refused to take the bull by the horn in approaching health facilities nearest to them for diagnosis, saying that it was imperative for people to take their health as priority, as disease is a curable and preventable.
