Kebbi Begins Statewide Fumigation To Combat Malaria
The Kebbi State Government has commenced a fumigation exercise aimed at the elimination of malaria across the state.
The Director of Environmental Health, Kebbi State Ministry of Environment, Muhammad Nasir-Musa, disclosed this at the launch of the exercise in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.
Nasir-Musa stated that the purpose of the exercise was to rid the entire state of mosquitoes, thereby reducing the risks associated with malaria and other diseases.
“The main objectives of this exercise are to kill mosquitoes in their adult stage, eliminate mosquito larvae at the source, and destroy mosquito eggs.
“Because if you kill mosquitoes in their adult stage and stop there, you are not doing enough; you must kill the larvae and destroy the eggs to completely eliminate mosquitoes.
“I believe we all know the dangers of mosquitoes; they are the source of transmitting malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever,” he said.
Regarding the scope of the exercise, Nasir-Musa explained that it would cover the entire Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, and extend to all other parts of the state to ensure total eradication of the disease.
The director said, “We are now fumigating the whole of Birnin Kebbi; all the drainages and surrounding areas will be treated.
“So far, we have fumigated the Emir’s palace, Government House, Presidential Lodge, Sir Yahaya, and we are still on the move; we will not stop until we have completed the work throughout the state capital.”
According to him, mosquitoes have many breeding grounds, one of which is stagnant water, adding that the peak period for mosquito production and reproduction is during the rainy season.
“Therefore, this is the time we should undertake this exercise, as there have been several complaints from the public regarding malaria.
“When you check our hospitals, you will find that most of the patients are suffering from malaria.
“This exercise will be extended to Argungu, Yauri, and Zuru Emirates as well, and to ensure its total success, we will engage ad-hoc staff who will receive specialised fumigation training,” he noted.
The director advised the general public to take environmental sanitation very seriously, adding that many of the challenges stem from inadequate and poor-quality sanitation, which usually paves the way for mosquito breeding.
He expressed appreciation to the state governor, Nasir Idris, for the support and encouragement given to the ministry to achieve its mandate.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Officer at Kalgo Medical Centre, Abubakar Attairu, thanked the state government for providing the fungicide to spray the hospital.
“This exercise is timely and will go a long way in addressing health-related illnesses.
“Mosquitoes are causing a lot of sicknesses, and our organisation truly appreciates the state government for this gesture. I hope it will become a routine exercise,” Attairu pleaded.
