The Kogi State Coordinator for the Malaria Programme, Dr Ake Stephen, has noted that Nigeria contributes to 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of deaths.
Dr Ake made this known at the Kogi State launching malaria case management training for health workers in Lokoja.
A program facilitator attributed the high prevalence of malaria in the country to the transmission of the Plasmodium parasite through mosquito bites.
Dr. Stephen highlighted the importance of understanding the root causes of malaria and clarified that it is the Plasmodium parasite, not the mosquito, that causes the disease.
He also emphasized the importance of meticulous data collection and recording, emphasizing that each patient's status, whether positive or negative, must be documented.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adeiza, in his message highlighted the importance of equipping healthcare workers with new skills and knowledge due to the resistance of the malaria parasite to certain drugs.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Kogi State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Dorcas Enehe, she said the training aims to address the pressing issue of malaria case management as the disease continues to pose a major challenge in the state.
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Dr. Francis Akpa, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the importance of familiarizing healthcare workers with new products and treatment protocols.
Dr Akpa highlighted the importance of understanding drug dynamics, availability, duration of treatment and potential side effects to ensure effective care delivery.
In his remarks, HMB Chief Medical Director, Dr. Olayemi Ayo, welcomed participants from local government, logistics officials and other stakeholders. Dr. Ayo urged attendees to pay close attention to the details of the training and promised follow-up materials to reinforce the learning experience.
This training program is a vital component of the Ministry's efforts to strengthen the state's health system and alleviate the burden of malaria. By improving the capacity of healthcare workers, improving health outcomes and ultimately improving the overall well-being of the community.
The Director General of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA), Dr. Musa Muazu Omaiza, has stressed the critical importance of disseminating knowledge on malaria prevention at the grassroots level. During the training program, Dr. Omaiza emphasized that despite great efforts made over the years, malaria remains a major challenge in the state.
The training program is a crucial component of the state's efforts to strengthen its health system and alleviate the burden of malaria by improving the skills of health workers.