By Kayode Olopade
Lagos State Health District IV has joined counterparts across the globe to commemorate the 2026 World Malaria Day 2026, reaffirming its commitment to the global theme, “Driven to End Malaria.”
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Abimbola Bowale, aligned the district with the global call for urgent and sustained action to eliminate malaria, noting that the theme underscores the need for renewed efforts in prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Speaking on the disease, Dr. Bowale described malaria as a Malaria caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. He explained that the severity of the illness depends on the species of the parasite involved, with some strains more likely to result in severe complications and death.
He noted that malaria remains highly prevalent in Africa due to several factors, including the presence of efficient mosquito vectors, favourable climatic conditions, and socio-economic challenges such as poor sanitation and poverty, which contribute to its spread. According to him, malaria is endemic in many African countries and continues to pose a significant public health threat.
“Individuals infected with malaria often experience high fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. Although it can be fatal, it is both preventable and treatable when detected early,” he said.
Dr. Bowale added that while locally transmitted malaria cases in countries like the United States remain relatively rare and isolated, the risk of resurgence exists due to the presence of competent mosquito vectors.
Highlighting the local burden, he revealed that malaria accounts for over 70 percent of outpatient visits in Lagos State public health facilities, with more than 700,000 cases recorded annually across both public and private health institutions.
Also speaking, the Director of Medical Services and Disease Control for Health District IV, Dr. Sotunde Oludolapo, emphasized that malaria is preventable and treatable. She advised residents to adopt key preventive measures, including sleeping under insecticide-treated nets, maintaining clean surroundings to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and ensuring that pregnant women attend antenatal clinics to receive Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy (IPTp).
She stressed that collective action is critical, adding, “Now we can end malaria, and now we must end malaria.”
The Public Affairs Officer of Lagos State Health District IV, Michael Opute, noted that the commemoration serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility required to tackle malaria, urging residents to take preventive measures seriously and support government efforts aimed at eliminating the disease.
No comments:
Post a Comment