World Malaria Day: Vaccinate your child against severe forms of Malaria – Experts

In commemoration of year 2024, World Malaria Day, the Lagos State Government has emphasized the need to maintain a clean environment as the rains sets in if the fight against malaria must be won.

 Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi made the  call in a message to an awareness walk held in Alausa-Ikeja, Lagos.

Prof. Abayomi, who was represented by the Director of Disease Control at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Rotimi Agbolagorite emphasized that this year’s theme, “Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world,” underscores the urgent need to intensify efforts against the disease, especially in malaria-endemic regions like Lagos State.

Stressing the importance of community awareness and involvement in promoting preventive measures to reduce malaria transmission, the Commissioner noted, ” it is imperative to throw away open unused containers and decongest the drainages to allow free flow of water and sleep under Mosquito Treated bed Nets “.

” Use insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and timely administration of antimalarial drugs as proactive steps to protect residents “,  adding that malaria is treatable and curable, negligence in adopting preventive measures can lead to severe complications ” Abayomi.

“We commemorate World Malaria Day on the 25th of April every year. This celebration is an opportunity to intensify awareness creation and community sensitization, particularly in regions like West Africa where malaria is endemic,” he said.

Prof. Abayomi stressed the importance of intensifying awareness campaigns to improve citizens’ health-seeking behavior, noting that negligence can exacerbate the severity of malaria cases.

Reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s commitment to the fight against malaria, the Commissioner disclosed that Lagos is open to productive partnerships aimed at eliminating malaria and commended the relentless efforts of stakeholders and partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative (YEDI), in the malaria elimination campaign.

Executive Director, Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative (YEDI); an adolescent health organisation, Mrs. Tomisin Adeoye commended the Lagos State government’s inclusive governance approach and reiterated YEDI’s commitment to malaria prevention through collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Health.

” The malaria vaccine is highly effective, having benefited nearly a million children in Ghana, Malawi, and Kenya. Caregivers should ensure their children receive vaccination, especially between 6 months and two years, to prevent severe forms of malaria,” she said.

The Lagos State Government urges all residents to join hands in creating an hygienic environment and adopt preventive measures to combat malaria effectively.

Juliana Ekong