Famkris, Kogi Govt Partner Media To Eliminate Malaria

The Famkris Healthcare Initiative and Kogi Government are to partner with media organizations in the State to eliminate malaria through information dissemination and advocacy.

The State Team Lead of Famkris Healthcare Initiative, Doctor Salamatu Yahaya stated this at a media parley organized as part of activities to Commemorate this year’s World Malaria Day, in Lokoja.

Doctor Yahaya who explained that the organization’s goal is to encourage everyone in the state to become advocates for malaria prevention, stated that the partnership forms part of a larger initiative to improve health outcomes and save lives in Kogi State.

Doctor Yahaya reported that since its establishment in the state, the initiative has provided support through the supply of medications, training and retraining of health personnel, and the recruitment of staff to manage malaria effectively throughout the region.

State Coordinator of Malaria Consortium, Pharmacist Okwulu Andrew, mentioned that the organization has been active in Nigeria since 2008 and highlighted that Kogi is one of ten states with relatively low malaria indices.

He reiterated the consortium’s commitment to reducing the prevalence of malaria to zero percent.

The State SWAP Officer, Doctor Bola Jonah emphasized the importance of collaboration to eradicate malaria in Kogi State.

Doctor Jonah underscored the necessity of community awareness and engagement in implementing preventive measures to minimize malaria transmission.

The State Commissioner for Health, Doctor Abdulazeez Adams in a message delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Maji Enoch, reiterated the State Government’s dedication to combating malaria.

He expressed openness to productive partnerships focused on elimination efforts and commended Partners and stakeholders for their continued efforts in the malaria elimination campaign.

In separate lectures, the Program Manager of the State Malaria Elimination Program, Doctor Akeh Oluwarotimi, and State Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization Officer, Mrs. Victoria Daniel, urged citizens to prioritize testing before treatment.

They noted that not all symptoms are indicative of malaria and encouraged individuals to take personal responsibility by consistently using insecticide-treated nets, maintaining clean environments free of stagnant water, and seeking prompt medical attention upon the onset of fever.

Joyce Haruna, Edited By Grace Namiji