Malaria Prevention: ACOMIN Campaigns For Clean Environment, LLI-Net Usage, Reiterates Commitment to Service in Osun

By Abisola Ariwodola,

As Osun state and other states of the country in Nigeria begins to witness rainy season accustomed to the month of June and September which leads to increase in the population of mosquitoes, which in turn leads to an increased malaria transmission during these humid months, Civil Society on Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) Osun state chapter has called on stakeholders to be malaria conscious.

This is as it averred that in Nigeria, there is connection between weather patterns and the occurrence of malaria, as the country experiences high levels of rainfall, adding that Malaria is a serious disease that can be life-threatening, said it can be prevented and treated, but if not diagnosed and treated promptly, it can progress to a severe, often fatal form.

The disclosure was made known by Osun ACOMIN Chairman, Ambassador Aremu Stephen Akinyele at the first Advocacy Media Meeting at state level for the year, to the media and community based organizations CBOs, held at SoLife Conference room, Igbona Osun state

Reiterating on the commitment to service on End Malaria by the Osun ACOMIN, Ambassador Aremu pointed out that Malaria incidences thrive in areas with stagnant water, poor drainage systems, and inadequate waste management.

He maintained that urgent action and collective effort from the public is needed to prevent an increase in the incidence rate of malaria, he campaigned that sleeping inside Insecticide-Treated Nets is crucial as they provide a physical barrier against mosquitoes, he said that the nets are effective in reducing the risk of infection, especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and young children. 

Osun ACOMIN urging the citizens to prioritize their health by taking actions to improve their environments and eliminate the breeding grounds responsible for malaria-carrying mosquitoes, highlighted that in cases of malaria infection, prompt diagnosis and treatment are also crucial in managing malaria.

Fielding on questions from journalists present at the Media brief, Ambassador Aremu affirmed that achieving a parasite prevention of less than ten percent and reduction in mortality attributed to malaria to less than 50 deaths per one thousand live-births by year 2025 is achievable.

He opined that the Civil Society on Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) is not politically owned or affiliated, that it is Faith based, Non Governmental organizations community oriented project with over five thousand members across states in Nigeria.

Stating that ACOMIN has been in existence for about thirty years, he added that organization is in collaboration with the state government to provide end malaria services to the good people of the state, through the primary health centers in Osun communities.

Ambassador used the medium to call on individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and body aches, should seek medical attention promptly for testing and appropriate treatment.

Furthermore, Osun ACOMIN called on Government at all levels to increase the budgetary allocation for hospital infrastructure and equipment, implement effective recruitment and retention strategies to attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals and prioritize the development of reliable electricity and water infrastructure in healthcare facilities.

In their goodwill messages, the Roll Back Malaria Manager in Osun State Malaria Elimination program, Dr Olufemi Oroge and Mr Kunle from Society for Family Health applauded the malaria intervention program of Osun ACOMIN.

According to them, combating malaria in the state cannot be overemphasized, that collaboration is needed to have success in the eradication of malaria in Osun communities, added that the distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide Net commencing in Osun will be made to all local governments area in the state.

The ACOMIN partners asked for intensified campaign on adequate usage of the LLI-Net to prevent malaria, and they also lauded stakeholders who collaborated with the Community Led Monitoring project team to provide malaria services for their various communities.

In his presentation of the successes made by the community-led initiative being implemented by ACOMIN, the state planning officer, SPO Mr David Amoto listed the various achievements in the targeted local governments which include, Osogbo, Olorunda, Boluwaduro, Iwo, Ifelodun, Egbedore, Ejigbo and Obokun local governments.

Listing the recommendation of Osun ACOMIN, Amoto said the government should prioritize the health of its residents by taking swift and decisive actions in protecting the people, provide necessity at the PHCs, maintain clean environment and good waste management system for waste disposal among others.

It can be recalled that the Catholic Relief Service Global Fund sponsored ACOMIN project is being implemented in thirteen supported states namely Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, Taraba, Gombe, Yobe, Adamawa, Ogun, Osun, and Delta States.