SMC: Kebbi Launches War Against Malaria

KBSG FLAGS OFF 2023 SMC ANTIMALARIAL DRUGS IN ARGUNGU

 State Deputy Governor has on Wednesday 13/07/2023, flagged off the 2023 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) Campaign in Argungu. The occasion, which was graced by notable dignitaries including traditional rulers, politicians, and government officials, was held at the palace of the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, highlighted the importance of the campaign in improving the health situation and well-being of the people of Kebbi State, particularly children aged 3 to 59 months. He noted that malaria is a major public health problem that can be life-threatening, with Nigeria having the highest malaria burden in Africa and accounting for a quarter of the global malaria burden.

The Deputy Governor commended the Kebbi State Government's collaboration with international agencies to support the state's need for a strong health system to address gaps in accessing healthcare services, particularly in communities. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Malaria Consortium in supporting Nigeria's effort in malaria elimination.

The Deputy Governor appealed to all parents to avail their children of the opportunity to receive SPAQ preventive doses of chemotherapy for malaria for a healthy future. He commended the Malaria Consortium and other partners for making the Kebbi State population a priority in the campaign.

In his remarks, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, expressed his support for the campaign and called on the people of Kebbi State to bring their children for the antimalarial drugs. He emphasized the importance of preventing malaria, which he noted was a major public health problem in Nigeria, and pledged to support the campaign by ensuring that his son receives the drugs before any other person at the occasion.

The Emir also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Kebbi State Government in collaboration with other health agencies to combat malaria. He commended the Malaria Consortium and other partners for their support and urged them to continue their efforts towards the elimination of malaria in Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Dr. Shehu Nuhu Koko represented by the Executive Secretary State Primary Health care Development Agency , explained the previous efforts of the Kebbi State Government towards malaria control. He noted that the state government had implemented various measures such as the distribution of insecticide-treated nets, free malaria drugs, and the establishment of malaria diagnostic centers in health facilities across the state.

He also highlighted the importance of the SMC campaign in reducing the burden of malaria among children aged 3 to 59 months, adding that the campaign would provide preventive chemotherapy for malaria using quality-assured and affordable drugs known as SPAQ. He thanked the Malaria Consortium and other partners for their support in the campaign and urged parents to bring their children for the vaccine.

In their remarks, the representatives of Malaria Consortium and WHO expressed their commitment to supporting Nigeria's effort in malaria elimination, particularly through the SMC campaign. They also emphasized the importance of the campaign in reducing the burden of malaria in Nigeria and pledged their support for the Kebbi State Government in its efforts towards malaria control. They pledged their commitment to working with the Kebbi State Government to improve the health and well-being of the people.

Some of the partners of the campaign included the Malaria Consortium, UNICEF, IHP, and Breck True Action. The highlight of the occasion was the official flag-off of the 2023 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) Campaign for Kebbi State performed by the Kebbi State Deputy Governor on one of the young sons of the Emir.