2021 World Malaria Day: NAWOJ Tasks FG On Political Will

BY EDMOND ODOK – The National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has tasked the Federal Government to develop strong political will towards eliminating malaria and making Nigeria free of this potentially fatal disease

According to the Association, there is dire and urgent need for government to put in place sustainable measures to tackle the current ‘alarming and unacceptable’ figure of life-threatening malaria cases in the country.

In a statement signed by its National President, Ladi Bala and National Secretary, Helen Udofa, NAWOJ lamented that the 2019 World Malaria Report painted Nigeria as having the highest number of global malaria cases (25% of global malaria cases) in 2018 while also accounting for the highest number of deaths (24% of global malaria deaths).

The Women Journalists, who maintained that “this alarming figure is unacceptable”, said having bore the brunt of malaria burden over the years, “Nigeria should therefore be leading the cause to stamp out malaria by year 2030”.

Joining the rest of the World to mark this year’s World Malaria Day, NAWOJ said the theme: “Zero Malaria, Draw the Line Against Malaria” is an indication that the disease is preventable, therefore “every malaria death is unacceptable.”

“If we are aiming for zero malaria by this year, there is the need for a strong primary health care system that must ensure access to malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment services”, the statement said.

The body also said as individuals, “we must also take personal responsibility to eliminate malaria in the country”, stressing that “zero malaria begins with every Nigerian.”

“It is imperative for Nigerians to imbibe the culture of sleeping under insecticide treated mosquito net, particularly pregnant Women and children from age zero to five.”Eliminating mosquitoes breeding sites as well as proper sanitation of surroundings will help in the fight against the disease”, NAWOJ maintained

The Association therefore urged women groups, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) and concerned bodies to intensify advocacy and awareness campaigns to enlist the support of all and sundry in the fight against this treatable disease.