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WMD: ‘Nigeria Accounts For 24% Of Malaria Deaths Globally’
The Commissioner for Health in Ogun State, Dr. Tomi Coker, has declared that Nigeria accounts for about 24 per cent of malaria deaths globally.
Coker, who disclosed this while addressing newsmen in commemoration of 2021 World Malaria Day (WMD) held at the Ministry of Health conference room, Okemosan, Abeokuta, said malaria was a disease that is preventable, treatable and curable.
The government also said the intervention will be in the area of distribution of free Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) to pregnant women at first booking and children under five years who complete immunization schedules in all public health facilities.
Coker, who was represented at the briefing by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr A. E. Ayinde, said the World Malaria Day was set aside to mobilize the global community and resources towards providing education and understanding on malaria scourge.
“ The Africa region still bears 90 per cent of the global malaria burden and 91 per cent of malaria deaths worldwide. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa accounts for about 27 per cent of this burden and 24 per cent of Malaria deaths globally.
“In Nigeria, malaria is responsible for approximately 60 per cent of out-patient visits and 30 per cent of hospital admission. It contributes up to 11 per cent of maternal mortality, 25 per cent of infant mortality and 30 per cent of under five mortality. It is estimated that about 110 million cases are clinically diagnosed annually.
“Malaria creates additional burden on the already weakened health system and accounts for about N480billion in out-of-pocket expenses for treatment, prevention and man hours loss; it thus exerts a severe social and economic burden on the nation and households”.
The commissioner, who explained that the theme for 2021 World Malaria Day is, “Zero Malaria – Draw the line against Malaria” with the slogan “Stand up – Take action”, said the “theme makes the message more personal and emphasises need for communities and individuals to take ownership of malaria prevention more seriously.
“This year’s commemoration will build on the ‘Zero Malaria starts with me’ movement and the ‘Draw the line against Malaria’ youth-focused campaign. It is an opportunity to encourage and promote multi-sectoral collaboration as well as youth involvement in malaria elimination.
“This requires technical focus and sustained funding by the government, the private sectors and household resources.
“The Government of Ogun State is working with her partners to ensure that proven interventions are deployed towards malaria elimination; these include: Distribution of free Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) to pregnant women at first booking and children under five years who complete immunization schedules in all public health facilities.
“It is pertinent to note that the state has also started the process of LLIN replacement campaign aimed at distributing 3.7million nets to every household. The household mobilization and distribution process to all households is planned for July, 2021.
“We also continue free testing and treatment with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACTs) in all the primary health facilities in Ogun State. In 2020, out of the 311,668 fever cases tested, 255,872 were positive for malaria and 99.5 per cent of those positive were treated free with ACTs.
“The severe malaria cases are managed with Artesunate injection in secondary and tertiary health facilities. The free testing and treatment with ACTs is also extended to identified schools with School Health Workers. These schools are linked to close primary health centres for supply of RDT kits and ACTs to treat students in school.
“This gives opportunity of prompt treatment to students which prevents advancement to severe cases and reduces absenteeism. Also, Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) activities (such as drama, Interpersonal communication, net hanging demonstrations, role play in communities) are being scaled up with support from our partners.
“Capacity building programmes on malaria for all relevant health professionals and regular monitoring and supervision are carried out regularly to ensure standards. As part the effort of His Excellency to reduce infant and maternal mortality and increase life expectancy for the general populace of the state, the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun has commenced renovation of 236 Primary Health Care facilities with 42 already completed.
“The slogan ‘Stand up – Take action’ is a call to action to everyone to take a stand and carry out specific roles. Individuals and communities are encouraged to undertake regular clearing of bushes, drainages and receptacles that serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes. Ensure every member of their households, especially pregnant women and children sleep inside Insecticide Treated Nets.
“You should also take advantage of the free malaria test and treatment available in our public facilities whenever you have fever or other symptoms. Our traditional and community leaders are to sensitize their communities on clean environment and promote same to make sure their environments are rid of breeding sites for disease-borne vectors.
“Our religious leaders should include key messages on malaria prevention in their sermons and preaching. Media houses are enjoined to support awareness creation and promote malaria prevention through various mass media platforms. In conclusion, we will not relent on our efforts, as every step brings us closer to the goal of ending malaria”.
The Rivers State Chief judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi has granted pardon to six inmates standing awaiting trial at the Port Harcourt maximum correctional center.
The six lucky inmates granted pardon on Tuesday by the state Chief Judge included Nwekeala Chizoba, Samuel Emmanuel, Aniete Kelvin, Ebube Fubara and Goddey Okpara who were on awaiting trial as murder suspects and have all spent between 10 years to seven years in the custody without a proper information filed against them in the court.
Justice Amadi during a special gaol delivery exercise last Tuesday at the Port Harcourt Maximum Correctional Centre opined that the special gaol delivery was part of activities lined up to commomerate the 2024/2025 legal year in the State and restated the commitment of the state judiciary in decongesting the correctional centre and ensuring that those inmates who are not supposed to be there are removed from the custody.
The state chief judge stressed the need for all stakeholders to work together to build a society that supports rehabilitation and gives a second chance to anyone or group of people who have fallen short of the expectation of the law and have been punished accordingly.
He stressed that the National Judicial Council(NJC) encourages judges to pay more attention to criminal matters to enable them to decongests the correctional facilities, noting that since his assumption into office, his administration has been able to reduce the number of inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centres and the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre in particular, to less than 2,000 as against the over 4,000 inmates previously in the faculty.
According to him, “as they release the deserving inmates, they affirm their commitment to justice, compassion and rule of law but that they must not forget the fundamental principles of justice delivery system which is truth and fairness, integrity and equality before the law.”
I encourage you all the released inmates to return to your families and become better citizens. You must not engage in action that will return you all back to prison. Let me say that while the judges show empathy to you all, it does not absolved individuals from being held accountable for actions against individuals, corporate organisations and state which the law frowns at, ”he stated
The Chief Judge thereafter stood down the exercise to enable the DPP to intervene to case files following the fact that majority of the persons listed to benefit from the exercise are facing murder charges and adjourned to a date that will come before December.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the outgoing state Comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Centre, Port Harcourt, Felix Lawrence, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Controller General, commended the state judiciary led by Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi for their continuous effort aimed at ensuring justice and decongesting the facilities.
Other activities lined up for the event included special church service at St Paul’s Cathedral , Anglican Communion, Rebisi Port Harcourt, inspection of guard of honour by the state Chief Judge mounted by officers of the Nigerian police and a special court session held at the ceremonial court hall.
By: AkujobiAmadi
The Director General of Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement (RBoPP), Dr. Ine Briggs, has explained that the Sir Siminalayi Fubara administration plans to enforce transparency in governance through public procurement.
Speaking at a one-day Public Procurement Enlightenment workshop organised in collaboration with the State Local Government Service Commission for newly elected chairmen, vice chairmen, secretaries and leaders of legislative assemblies, Dr. Briggs said it is key for grassroot development.
She stated that the Sir. Fubara administration plans to reduce wastage and at same time infuse efficiency in public expenditure.
The RSoPP DG said the local government political office holders remain key drivers in the new vision hence the workshop is to arm them with knowledge on how to execute projects in tandem with needs of the people.
“ Your role in the prudent management of public resources is, therefore, not just administrative it’s the cornerstone of delivering the dividends of democracy. Every procurement decision you make must reflect a commitment to fairness, transparency and accountability” Dr. Briggs submitted.
One of the key goals of the administration she further reminded the participants was to use their offices to foster economic growth through public procurement.
She warned that the law establishing the agency empowers it to penalise defaulters, but that what is more important is voluntary compliance to the laws.
In addition to that, she said urged the local government council leaders that champion the practice and implementation of public procurement law.
On his part, Acting Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Pastor GoodLife Ben Iduoku averred that the aim of the workshop is to arm key stakeholders in the local government system to generate new ideas, innovation and strategies in tandem with government policies and programmes.
The workshop dealt on various topics on procurement planning, methods, Understanding Bid Process, including types of Construction Contracts and law.
Some participants were awarded excellence and meritorious awards as part of the programme.
By: Kevin Nengia
The 19th anniversary of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Rivers State Chapter, recently ended in Port Harcourt in grand style, with participants from various schools including proprietors, the academia, civil society groups and top government functionaries charting the way forward for educational improvement.
The 19th NAPPS anniversary christened, ‘Innovation and Adaptation: Transforming Challenges Into Opportunities’ was held at Casoni Hotels, Port Harcourt.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the association, Dr. Jaja Adafe Sunday expressed gratitude to the members and executives for their untiring efforts towards the achievements of the body.
He sought the intervention of government on the lingering crisis on the economy as it is affecting the running of schools.
He decried high cost of things including fuel and raw materials which has adversely affected the running of schools and payment of teachers.
Dr. Sunday hinted that the current economic situation in the nation is biting hard on the operations of schools, saying inflation, removal of fuel subsidy, fuel scarcity, poor electricity supply, tariffs and lack of government grants are some of the challenges faced by schools, and urged the members to brace up to the challenges, as it is the panacea to building a brighter future.
Guest speakers from the health sector and the academia thrilled the gathering on the essence of basic education which they said is the key to national development.
Former Dean of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Professor Azuru and the Chief Medical Director of Meridian Hospitals, Dr. Odo Iyke were some notable guest speakers who delivered lectures at the occasion.
Some distinguished proprietors also got special recognitions and awards.
The 19th anniversary cake was cut by the Rivers State NAPPS Chairman with representatives of the state government assisting.