Ilorin: Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode, the Director of Public Health at the Kwara Ministry of Health, has attributed approximately 60 percent of malaria cases to environmental factors. This revelation was made during the Kwara State Malaria Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) Quarterly Meeting and the inauguration of the Malaria ACSM Working Group.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Fakayode, represented by the Kwara Malaria Control Coordinator, Dr Kazeem Oladapo, emphasized that environmental conditions conducive to mosquito breeding and survival are the primary drivers of malaria transmission. He pointed out that more than half of all malaria cases in Nigeria are directly linked to these environmental factors.
Quoting the National Malaria Elimination Programme, Fakayode stressed the need for commitment and collaboration among stakeholders and policymakers for effective malaria elimination and control. He highlighted that the meeting aimed to coordinate ACSM activities, enhance community participation in malaria prevention, and increase the uptake of malaria interventions in health facilities.
Fakayode also revealed that due to the efforts of the state government, the prevalence of malaria had decreased from 26 percent to 13 percent, marking a significant achievement.
Mr. Jeremiah Ngutor-Ulaa, Data Analyst at John Hopkins Programme for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (Jhpiego) STOP Antimicrobial Drug Resistance (AMDR) Project, explained that the program seeks to unify stakeholders involved in malaria elimination and control. He expressed optimism that Nigeria could prevent widespread anti-malarial drug resistance by deploying multiple therapy treatments and leveraging existing structures for support.
Mrs. Yemisi Ajala, the ACSM Desk Officer, identified climatic, environmental, behavioral, and social factors as leading causes of malaria in the state. She noted inconsistent use of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) among households but acknowledged the state government’s commitment to control efforts. These efforts include mass distribution of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs), seasonal malaria prevention for children, community sanitation campaigns, and the ‘Test, Treat, Track’ policy.