World Malaria Day: Kogi First Lady Calls for Sustained Action to End Malaria

By Iyojo Ameh

As the world observes World Malaria Day 2024, Wife of the Kogi State Governor, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo has called for sustained efforts by all stakeholders to prevent the spread of malaria and ensure its control in the country.

In a message to mark the celebration of World Malaria Day in Kogi State, Mrs Ododo reminded parents, caregivers, well-to-do individuals, and relevant health organizations of the need to tackle the malaria scourge, which she said is still a major healthcare risk in communities across the state.

The First Lady of Kogi State used the occasion to highlight the need for continued investment by the government and its sustained political commitment to the prevention of malaria in the state.

She reiterated the imperative of raising awareness on tackling malaria, noting that children and women have always been major victims of the disease.

“When you visit our health centres, the majority of those diagnosed with malaria are either children or pregnant women. This is despite efforts to improve access to healthcare in the communities.” Mrs Ododo noted.

Hajiya Sefinat Ododo however expressed optimism that the impact of government’s intervention in the health sector especially with the plan to revamp primary healthcare institutions in the state will continue to yield positive results and guarantee a malaria-free future for the younger generation.

“I want to use this opportunity of this year’s World Malaria Day to assure you that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has prioritized the rejuvenation of primary healthcare centres across the state. This will no doubt ensure the speedy delivery of medical care and improve the response to diseases at the grassroots,” Hajiya Sefinat stated.

The First Lady therefore advised parents especially women at the grassroots across the 21 local government areas in the state to avail themselves of the various initiatives by the government in the health sector and always seek medical care and not resort to self-help, which she said was detrimental to the safety and wellbeing of the family.

The theme of the 2024 World Malaria Day is “Health Equity, Gender, and Human Rights.”