By Dorothy Onoja.
In a renewed effort to combat malaria, the Malaria Consortium, an international non-governmental organization, has partnered with the media in Kogi State to enhance public awareness and support for malaria elimination campaigns.
Our correspondent reports that
the event, unveiled on during a media parley on Monday in Lokoja,was organized in collaboration with the Kogi State Ministry of Health, under the framework of the State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) and the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) initiative.
Speaking at the event, Pharmacist Andrew Okwulu, Kogi State Project Manager for Malaria Consortium, said the SMC programme is designed to protect children under five, the most vulnerable group, through monthly doses of anti-malarial drugs during the peak transmission season.
“In 2024 alone, we recorded 40,678 confirmed malaria cases and 683 cases of severe malaria among children under five. Sadly, there were 12 reported deaths in this age group — a number likely underreported,” Okwulu stated.
He stressed the need for integrated efforts to tackle preventable childhood illnesses such as malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, and neglected tropical diseases, which still account for high mortality rates in Nigeria.
Also speaking, Pharm. Rabiu Salihu Mohammed, representing the State Malaria Elimination Programme, noted that the media engagement aims to equip journalists with accurate information to dispel misconceptions about malaria and promote healthy practices across communities.
Mr. Orimodu Matthew, the Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization (ACSM) focal person, identified key challenges in malaria control, including inadequate funding, logistical hurdles, and human resource constraints.
He advocated for increased investment from international donors, governments, and private partners, and called for technology-driven tracking and supply chain systems.
Dr. Salamotu Usman, Kogi State focal person for FAMKRIS Health Initiative, said the organization is expanding its reach across the state through the distribution of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) and Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT).
She added that FAMKRIS works closely with the National and State Malaria Elimination Programs, and local health structures to strengthen intervention delivery.
Chiyere Okoro, also of FAMKRIS, highlighted the importance of the Support to Malaria Elimination Program (SMEP) in educating communities on testing before treatment, the availability of free Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), and encouraging residents to become malaria advocates.
The Malaria Consortium has operated in Nigeria since 2008 and introduced SMC in 2014.
Its collaboration with Kogi State stakeholders and the media is seen as a strategic move to boost community engagement and reduce malaria-related deaths, especially among young children.
The event brought together health experts, media professionals, and development partners committed to saving lives and improving health outcomes in malaria-endemic communities.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
