World Malaria Day: 265m New Cases Of Malaria Worldwide; 597,000 Deaths Recorded, Rotary In’tl Raises Alarm … Partners With Stakeholders In Kebbi

From Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi

 The Rotary Internatiinal under it’s pet project known as Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge, last weekend reeled out its progarmmes for Kebbi State aimed at eradicating malaria diseases in at least six Local Government Areas of the State regarded as hard to reach terranins. 

The Local Government Areas where the campaign project pilot would kick off includes Argungu, Augie, Bagudo, Shanga, Fakai, and Aliero Local Government Areas, respectively. 

Country Lead of Rotary International / Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge, Dr. Dele Balogun who disclosed this at a press conference in Birnin Kebbi as part of activities to Mark World Malaria Day, explained that Kebbi State and Akwa- Ibom states are the pilot states out of 36 states of the federation.

Balogun noted that,  the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge would implement strategies with partners funds within its  disposal to eradicate malaria.

In Kebbi state, “we are going to work in six Local Government Areas which have been recommended to us by the Government which includes Argungu, Augie, Bagudo, Shanga, Fakai and Aliero.”

Balogun who also disclosed that 265 million new cases of malaria have been discovered across the world in 2023,revealed that 597,000 people out of the figures has died, adding that new cases discovered were found in Africa continent.

While speaking on the progress made, he disclosed that 45 countries and have been certified to be free of malaria, while Togo to is planning to join soon.

He added that with proper sanitation of environment, drainage system, adequate waste disposal and other hygiene practices, Nigeria could join the league of the nation free of the disease within the shortest time.

Earlier, the Kebbi State Commissioner of Information and Culture,Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed  assured the organization the readiness of the State Government to support them to succeed in their mission in the state.

In his remark,the Executive Secretary of Primary Health Development Agency, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Noma ,noted that with the ongoing commitment of the state government,the malaria would be eradicated in the next two to three years in the state.

Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, represented by District Head of Gulma,Alhaji Bashar Muhammad Gulma assured the organization the total support of the Argungu Emirate stressing that,the malaria would be tacked like the manner polio disease was eradicated in the state.

The team also visited Emir of Gwandu,Alhaji Muhammad Iliyasu Bashar,who was represented by Waziri Gwandu’, Alhaji Umar Abdullahi Waziri.

Emir commended the organisers for coming to the state,and assured them that the traditional rulers,the people of the state would support them to actualize their targeted goal.

While declaring it support for the campaign, the Kebbi State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA,) Mallam Nasir Karofi ,called for landfill, emphasized on the hygiene in an efforts to fight Malaria.

Karofi, who urged all citizens to prioritize environmental sanitation as a cornerstone of malaria prevention, noted that there are clear connection between stagnant water, a breeding ground for malaria-carrying mosquitoes, and inadequate waste management practices.

He made a significant appeal to the Kebbi State Government, advocating for the urgent establishment of a well-planned landfill site to address the growing challenge of refuse collection, particularly within the state capital.

He articulated the multiple advantages of such an initiative, stating, “Beyond the evident improvement in efficient waste evacuation, a properly managed landfill offers substantial opportunities for job creation and economic empowerment through sorting, recycling, and controlled incineration.

”Looking to the future of civic engagement, the Director announced the impending return of initiatives reminiscent of the “glorious days” of the War Against Indiscipline and Corruption (WAI-C) and the WAI brigade.

He stated that these efforts, which significantly complements Rotary International activities on free environment devoid dirtiness.