Michael Ovat – Awka
A Professor of Public Health Parasitology, Dennis Nnanna Aribodor, has explained why Nigeria is yet to eliminate malaria.
The Professor from the Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, said lack of political will to confront the malaria problem, inadequate funding and over-dependence on foreign partners, terrorism, insurgency, banditry, conflicts and internal displaced persons is considered the greatest challenges towards achieving malaria elimination in the country.
The Don stated this when he delivered a lecture titled: “Malaria Story And Challenges To Malaria Elimination In Nigeria” at the University 78th Inaugural Lecture, held at the Unizik-ASUU Multipurpose complex, on Thursday.
According to him, malaria is transmitted throughout Nigeria with 97 percent of the population at risk. The duration of the transmission season ranges from all year around in the South and three months or less in the North and that Nigeria has all it takes to eliminate the killer disease.
“When some of us promote and champion the cause for malaria elimination, some people even including the educated elite think that we are pursuing a shadow. They don’t only question but doubt the possibility of malaria elimination, not to talk of its eradication. Ladies and gentlemen, malaria elimination is achievable in Nigeria and may come sooner than expected, if we all go to work.”
He called on all Nigerians irrespective of political, religion, tribe and ethnic placement to join hands in the fight against the threat of disease in the country.
The event was highly attended by the University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, represented by his Deputy (Academic), Prof. Fredrick John Odibo, ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, Executive Secretary Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Pharmacist Chisom Uchem, House of Representative-ect for Awka North/South Federal Constituency under Labour Party, Prof. Lilan Orogbu, Unizik-ASUU Chairman, Dr. Stephen Ufoaroh and members of the University community.
