Sokoto State, under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, is intensifying efforts to tackle the malaria scourge through a stronger collaboration with the Malaria Consortium.
In a recent meeting, Gov. Aliyu urged for a more robust partnership to curb malaria’s impact on the state’s population.
During a courtesy visit from Dr. Maxwell Kolawole, Director of Malaria Consortium for West and Central Africa, Gov. Aliyu emphasized that malaria remains a significant health challenge in Sokoto.
He called for heightened efforts in tackling the disease, highlighting the government’s ongoing initiatives aimed at improving healthcare, especially for vulnerable groups such as women and children.
“Since assuming office, we have prioritized healthcare, particularly for women, children, and the elderly. Our administration provides free medical care in our health facilities for pregnant women, the aged, and children,” Gov. Aliyu stated.
Regarding malaria control, the governor noted that numerous outreach programs have been conducted, offering medical assistance, financial aid, and mosquito-treated nets to those affected by malaria.
He also mentioned the state’s ongoing fumigation exercises in areas with high malaria prevalence, aimed at reducing mosquito populations and curbing the spread of the disease.
Gov. Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting any initiative aimed at making Sokoto State malaria-free and commended the Malaria Consortium’s continuous efforts in fighting malaria in the region.
Dr. Kolawole, speaking on behalf of the Malaria Consortium, acknowledged the state’s support since the consortium began its work in Sokoto in 2016.
He highlighted the organization’s efforts in distributing malaria-prevention commodities, particularly for children, and stressed the importance of timely malaria treatment for children to prevent severe cases.
“The prompt administration of anti-malaria drugs is crucial in preventing mild malaria from progressing to severe cases,” Dr. Kolawole explained.
He also called for increased government support to ensure parents administer malaria medication to children on time and emphasized the importance of sleeping under mosquito-treated nets.
Dr. Kolawole praised the Sokoto State Government for its commitment to the consortium’s mission of eradicating malaria and called for continued collaboration to make the state malaria-free.
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