The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) joins the rest of the World to mark World Malaria Day being observed on April 25.
Towards this end, the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWAOJ) calls for the dire and urgent need for the Federal Government to develop a strong political will towards eliminating malaria in the country.
According to the 2019 World Malaria Report, Nigeria had the highest number of global malaria cases (25 % of global malaria cases) in 2018 and accounted for the highest number of deaths (24 % of global malaria deaths).
NAWOJ says that this alarming figure is unacceptable and stresses that with this year’s theme: “Zero Malaria, Draw the Line Against Malaria” is an indication that malaria is preventable, therefore every malaria death is unacceptable.
It notes that as a country that bears the brunt of malaria burden, Nigeria should therefore be leading the cause to stamp out malaria by 2030.
It further states that if we are aiming for zero malaria by this year, there is the need for a strong primary health care system that must ensure access to malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment services.
NAWOJ also says that as individuals, we must also take personal responsibility to eliminate malaria in the country, adding that zero malaria begins with every Nigerian.
It is imperative for Nigerians to imbibe the culture of sleeping under insecticide treated mosquito net particularly pregnant women and children from age zero to five.
Eliminating mosquitos breeding sites as well as proper sanitation of surroundings will help in the fight against the disease.
NAWOJ therefore calls on Women groups, non governmental organisation and concern bodies to intensify advocacy and awareness campaigɲ to enlist the support of all and sundry in the fight against the disease.
