Winifred Bosa.

Malaria eradication is a goal worth pursuing, and now more than ever before, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) are strongly positioned to make progress towards that goal.

To this end, they have galvanized support for a further expansion of malaria control and elimination programmes by collaborating with Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN)  to help ensure the programme’s target of total elimination of malaria in Nigeria by 2020.

At a media chat on “Malaria In Pregnancy “, the National Coordinator of NMEP, Dr Audu Mohammed, represented by Dr Joel Akilah, Head of Integrated Vector Management in NMEP , said that malaria is a problem that requires a multi-pronged approach and the belief is that the media is central to solving this problem.

“It is for this reason we have invited you all as partners in the fight against malaria to interact together to build synergy to create the needed awareness.

“There is also the need for sensitisation of the populace, especially pregnant women on the importance of early Ante-Natal Care (ANC) attendance and uptake of the quality intervention (IPT) to prevent malaria in pregnancy

“ As such, it is necessary for the media to be equipped with adequate information as well as be aware of current policies, community mobilisation and partners’ involvement in malaria elimination,’’ he said.

Mohammed also said that though Nigeria has made giant strides in the fight against malaria, a lot of work still needs to be done to eliminate malaria in Nigeria.

According to him , the importance of the meeting could not be over emphasised because malaria is a major public health concern in Nigeria.

“This is especially when considered against the backdrop of the negative effects of malaria attacks on our social and economic development as a result of absenteeism from schools, offices and farms.

“Over 90 per cent of Nigerians are at risk of malaria while children under-five and pregnant women are seen to be more vulnerable to this disease, hence the focus of this discussion.’’

At the event which took place at National Institute of Medical Research NIMR , Dr Bartholomew Odio, a gynaecologist, and also the Malaria Technical Advisor with Jhpiego Nigeria, an affiliate organisation to John Hopkins University strategies said that the media  plays crucial roles in achieving major progress against malaria .

Earlier , Mrs Chioma Obinna, President, HEWAN, commended NMEP for their efforts towards malaria elimination saying ,“It is important that NMEP is collaborating with the media in the fight to eliminate malaria because the media has the power to reach out to the masses.”

“People depend on the media to give them information about what is happening in the society and we are obliged to give them timely and accurate messages too.

“With this collaboration, there will be smoother synergy in getting the right perspective and information on issues relating to malaria from the right sources for onward dissemination to Nigerians”, she said.

Also , Mr Sola Ogundipe, a seasoned health journalist and a member of HEWAN applauded NMEP for the initiative.

He said , ” eliminating malaria in Nigeria, especially in pregnancy is achievable through commitment and collaboration with all stakeholders, as well as Nigerians themselves.

“Deaths from malaria as well as deaths as a result of Malaria in Pregnancy can be reduced to the barest minimum and HEWAN will join in this cause,’’ Ogundipe said.