The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Kwara Chapter, on Saturday, conducted free malaria screening for about 200 residents of Gbagede Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara.
The report states that the programme was part of activities to commemorate World Malaria Day, themed, “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must”.
The state Chairperson of ACPN, Mrs Munirat Bello, said that the residents received free malaria drugs in addition to the screening exercise.
“Malaria is one of the leading causes of death in pregnant women and children below the age of five,” she said.
Bello pointed out that community pharmacists have vital roles to play in the counselling, control and prevention of malaria, because it is a primary healthcare disease.
The expert advised the public to sleep under Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), prevent waterlogged holes, and keep the environment clean at all times.
According to her, mosquitoes usually breed more during the rainy season, spiking malaria fever occurrence.
Bello, however, warned the public against the use of anti-malaria drugs every time they come down with fever, emphasising that testing is key in the treatment of the disease.
She also called for caution when using alternative medicines, saying that herbs must be evidence-based.
The community pharmacist commended the government for providing malaria vaccines for children under six months, while also appealing for wider coverage of the vaccines across all communities.
Mrs Risikat Lawal, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Kwara Ministry of Health, observed that the day’s theme was apt.
She called for a rallying cry to grasp the moment, protect lives and fund a malaria-free future.
Commending the large turnout, Lawal emphasised the importance of mobilising and sensitising communities about malaria prevention.
A member of ACPN, Mr Atolagbe Daramola, who sensitised the community, advised the residents on malaria preventive methods.
According to him, the cost of prevention is less than the cost of treatment.
He warned that not all fevers are malaria.
“People assume that all fevers are malaria, but there is a need for screening to clear the doubt and give room for treatment,” he said.
Earlier, the Onigbagede of Gbagede Town, Oba Abdulhakeem Ishola, commended ACPN for the humanitarian services to the community.
He appealed to the government to support the association’s initiatives and called for more healthcare facilities in the community.
Two of the beneficiaries, Mr Adewumi Adeoti and Mrs Fauziya Oseni, unanimously appreciated the association for screening and treating them free of charge.