Enugu Commissioner urges pharmaceutical coys to manufacture vaccine against malaria
The Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, has urged pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria to manufacture vaccines against malaria.
Obi made the call during an event to commemorate the 2024 World Malaria Day with the theme “Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria For A More Equitable World,” held on Friday at the ministry.
The commissioner said that this had become necessary to reduce over dependence on developed countries to provide most of the medicals including vaccines used in Nigeria.
According to him, this is the time to really call on Nigeria to look into possibilities of manufacturing of vaccines in our own environment.
“It is not rocket science only if we put certain standard and policies together, it will become possible in our own lifetime”.
While noting that malaria was a disease of public importance, the commissioner said it was a highly prevalent parasitic infection in Sub-Sahara Africa which resulted in high morbidity and mortality especially among children under five and pregnant women.
He added that malaria imposed high economic and social impact, premature deaths, reduced productivity and huge medical cost.
“So we are commemorating the day to create massive awareness to bring to lime light the malaria burden as well as efforts and progress made towards malaria.
“It is also a day to mobilize support for state and non-state stakeholders to renew commitment towards the fight against it.
“Malaria remains a menance in our society in spite of efforts of the government and partners, our state is faced with the challenges that hampered the fight against malaria,” he said.
Obi attributed the reason for the endemic to heavy pattern of rainfall with flooding in some areas, resistance of mosquitos to the routine repellants, poor hygiene and sanitation, overcrowding, non-adherence to malaria guidelines and inequality in access to care.
He advised citizens to keep their environment clean, put nets on their doors and windows and avoid staying outside in the evening hour that mosquito was high.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Enugu State Malaria Programme Manager and Coordinator, Dr Ifeoma Otiji, lauded their partners for supporting the state.
She said they would perform test and treat those that had malaria, adding that free drug would be given to them.
“There will be road walk to commemorate and sensitise the public on dangers of malaria and need to take adequate care,” she said.
The highlight of the event include the donations of malaria drugs by Gov. Peter Mbah’s wife, Nkechinyere, Juhel Nigeria Limited and test kits by the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Enugu chapter.
The World Malaria Day is celebrated on every April 25 across the global to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control.
It was instituted by WHO Member States during the World Health Assembly of 2007.
