OSUN STATE COMMEMORATES 2024 WORLD MALARIA DAY ALONGSIDE GLOBAL COMMUNITY

By Segilola Babalola

Osun State government has united with the global community to mark the 2024 World Malaria Day, aiming to raise awareness and educate the populace about malaria prevention.

Commissioner for Health, Barrister Jola Akintola, highlighted this year's theme as "Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World" during an awareness campaign at Igbona Market, Osogbo.

Representing the Commissioner, Dr. Olufemi Oroge, Osun State Malaria Elimination Program Manager, emphasized the significance of World Malaria Day on April 25th annually, focusing on global efforts to control and eradicate malaria. He stressed the importance of equal access to preventive and curative measures, regardless of gender or wealth status, advocating for increased awareness on primary health care facilities and the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs).

Dr. Adewumi Agbomola from the National Malaria Program, Federal Ministry of Health, reiterated the day's purpose to raise awareness about malaria prevention and transmission caused by the Plasmodium parasite through infected mosquito bites.

Highlighting community involvement in malaria control, Dr. Agbomola underscored the importance of preventive measures such as sleeping under mosquito nets to reduce mosquito bites and subsequent malaria infections. She urged residents to promptly seek medical attention if experiencing fever symptoms, emphasizing the collective responsibility in combating malaria within the community.