The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has tasked the federal government on elimination of malaria which is a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality in the country.
NAWOJ, while joining the rest of the world to mark the 2021 World Malaria Day stressed the need for the federal government to develop a strong political will towards eliminating malaria in the country.
The women journalists handed down the charge in a press statement signed by the National President National, Ladi Bala and National President Secretary, Helen Udofa, Sunday in Abuja.
The statement read in part, “According to the 2019 World Malaria Report, by the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria had the highest number of global malaria cases (25 % of global malaria cases) in 2018 and accounted for the highest number of deaths (24 % of global malaria deaths).
“NAWOJ frowns at this alarming figure, noting that this year’s theme: “Zero Malaria, Draw the Line Against Malaria,” is an indication that malaria is preventable. Therefore, every malaria death is unacceptable.
“NAWOJ notes that as a country that bears the brunt of malaria burden, Nigeria should therefore be leading the cause to stamp out malaria by 2030. “Furthermore, if we are aiming for zero malaria by this year, there is the need for a strong primary health care system that must ensure access to malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment services.”
The Association also urged Nigerians, as individuals, to take personal responsibility to eliminate malaria in the country, as zero malaria in the country begins with every Nigerian.
“It is imperative for Nigerians to imbibe the culture of sleeping under insecticide treated mosquito nets, particularly pregnant women and children from age zero to five, while eliminating mosquito breeding sites as well as proper sanitation of surroundings will help in the fight against the deadly disease.
“NAWOJ, therefore, calls on women groups, non governmental organizations and other concerned bodies to intensify advocacy and awareness campaigns to enlist the support of all and sundry in the fight against the disease,” the statement added.
