Mortein partners government to eradicate malaria

Reckitt Benckiser (RB) Nigeria, makers of Mortein insecticide has partnered with ministries of health to reaffirm its commitment to eradicate malaria in Nigeria.The brand partnered Lagos, Ogun and Abia state ministry of health as well as the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) Abuja, to upscale action and sustain their commitment for the elimination of malaria nationwide through community press briefings, community sensitization, health quiz competitions in the states simultaneously, continued investment and sustained efforts.
Speaking at a press briefing to commemorate the World Malaria Day in Abuja, with the theme: “I stand with Mortein, Ready To Beat Malaria”, the Marketing Director, RB West Africa, Aliza Leferink said millions of people are suffering from malaria all over Nigeria, as every minute a child reportedly dies from the illness.

“According to the Roll Back Malaria Partnership (RBMP), Nigeria is the highest malaria-burden country, accounting for 26 percent of global malaria cases and almost a third of related deaths. There are millions of people who remain without access to malaria prevention or even treatment resulting in preventable deaths. Most of these cases and even deaths go unreported because of lack of proper documentation. This puts a strain on health systems and national malaria program budgets,” she said.

Also addressing the press at the event, the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole said that the Federal Government through the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) has achieved remarkable strides in its various interventions, having trained numerous healthcare providers, distributed doses of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) drugs and delivered units of Rapid Diagnosis Test (RDT) kits to states.

“A malaria-free Nigeria is possible through a stronger inter-sectorial coordination, implementation of well-known and cost-effective interventions, supported by a strong accountability framework and a strengthened primary health care system.

These will facilitate timely allocation of adequate resources and access to basic health services to the population,” he said.The National Coordinator, National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP), Dr. Audu Bala Mohammed said: “the fight against malaria is an ongoing one and it is a fight to the finish in the country. There have been consistent results because we have not backed down in our efforts ensuring adequate performance from all quarters. We have also tackled the emergence of drug and insecticide resistance. It is our firm belief that Nigeria will join countries that have eliminated malaria in the world.”