From Gambo Ahmed Lafia
The Nasarawa State Government in collaboration with the United State Government President’s Malaria Initiative yesterday flagged off the distribution 1.65 million long lasting insecticidal nets to communities in the state in order to combat malaria.
In his welcome address at the 2018 distribution campaign held at the Emir of Lafia’s Palace, the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Daniel Iya said that malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality especially among children under five years of age and pregnant women.
He further stressed that malaria is also an important cause of illness even among adults with many hours lost at work places thereby affecting productivity with its economic implication.
Doctor Iya emphasized that, appropriate use of long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINS) is an effective method of interrupting the transmission of malaria thereby decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated by this age long disease that gave Africa its notorious name being that grave yard of early explorers to the continent.
The commissioner, however, applauded other development partners both local and international such as WHO, UNICEF, USAIDS, IHVN for their immense contribution to the eradication of malaria in Nigeria.
Also in his goodwill message, the country representative of malaria initiative, Doctor Kenny Otto said malaria is still an important public health issue in Nigeria; added that Nigeria is witnessing progress in terms of malaria elimination.
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