Enugu Govt launches free malaria treatment to combat surge
The Enugu State Government has inaugurated a free malaria treatment initiative to combat and reduce the rising malaria cases in the state.
The event, organised by the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) and the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), is supported by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Lives and Livelihood Fund Project.
During the launch, Dr Emmanuel Obi, the State Commissioner for Health, noted that Enugu last received malaria elimination interventions in 2014 and 2015.
With the new initiative, every healthcare facility in the state now offers free malaria test kits and anti-malaria drugs to residents at no cost.
Obi thanked Governor Peter Mbah for enabling the initiative and mentioned the IMPACTS Project, which began in 2021 as part of broader efforts to tackle malaria across Nigeria.
He also stressed the importance of environmental management in combating malaria.
Dr Nnenna Ogbulafor, National Coordinator of the Malaria Elimination Programme, highlighted Nigeria’s significant malaria burden, accounting for 27% of global cases and 30% of deaths. She pointed out that Enugu’s malaria rate stood at 24%, urging residents to take full advantage of the free services.
Dr Chinwe Anibeze, Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, commended the IMPACTS Project and praised Mbah for his continued funding support.
The initiative will also distribute treated mosquito nets to reduce the mosquito population in Enugu.
Dr Andy Eyo, CEO of ECEWS, reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to supporting malaria testing and treatment over the next two years.
His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, vowed to spread the message to rural communities, encouraging pregnant women and residents to access the free malaria treatment.
Dr Ifeoma Otiji, Coordinator of the Enugu State Malaria Elimination Programme, termed the inauguration as the beginning of a new era in malaria management, aiming to reduce the malaria prevalence back to pre-elimination levels.
