By Dare Akogun
As part of efforts towards malaria eradication, the First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has been inaugurated as the Malaria Ambassador for Kwara State.
This pivotal event was part of a continued advocacy drive led by the Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, and other key stakeholders such as the National Malaria Elimination Programme, Society for Family Health, and Malaria partners in the state.
The investiture ceremony marked a significant milestone in the state’s collective journey to combat malaria, which remains a pressing health challenge in Nigeria, particularly for children and pregnant women.
The Commissioner for Health highlighted the importance of the ceremony, stating, “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey to combat malaria, which is one of the most pervasive health challenges in Nigeria.”
“Malaria remains a formidable foe, as it continues to claim the lives of our loved ones, causing immense pain and loss, especially among our children and pregnant women.
“The burden it places on our healthcare system and the toll it takes on our communities is also substantial.
Ambassador Abdulrasaq expressed gratitude and responsibility for the new assignment, promising, to put in her best towards promoting good health and wellbeing of the good people of Kwara State.
She said the role will deepen her commitment to creating awareness and ensuring community acceptance for various interventions aimed at eliminating malaria-related challenges.
The Society for Family Health, represented by its deputy managing director, lauded the First Lady’s unwavering dedication to public health and her passion for creating positive change.
“Her passion for public health and commitment to making a difference will undoubtedly inspire change. Together, we will work tirelessly to raise awareness, promote prevention, and ultimately eliminate malaria from Kwara State.
“what we have seen in Kwara State at the flag-off confirms that there is opportunity in Nigeria to co-create solutions that solves our local problems.
“While government commits to creating an enabling environment for all of us, we must indeed, work hard and together to redefine health for the future in Nigeria,” he said.
The state’s health team and Partners have been instrumental in supporting the implementation of quality healthcare service delivery, resulting in a drop in malaria prevalence from 27% to 20% in the general population and as low as 6% for severe malaria in children under the age of five.
Kwara State’s battle against malaria is supported by the Global Fund Malaria 2021-2023 grant in Nigeria. In partnership with the Society for Family Health, the state aims to eliminate malaria through the implementation of the 2023 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) and Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) as an integrated mass campaign.
It would be recalled that the first integrated SMC/ITN mass campaign in the world was launched by the Kwara State Governor, His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Wednesday, 18th October 2023.
The campaign aims to distribute over 2.2 million Insecticide Treated Nets to Kwara State residents and administer SPAQ to eligible children aged 3-59 months.
The Malaria Ambassador’s involvement strengthens the country’s resolve to combat malaria, a disease that continues to affect millions worldwide.
As the Malaria Ambassador, Ambassador Professor AbdulRazaq is projected to play a crucial role in advocating for malaria prevention, treatment, and research efforts.
By leveraging her influential voice, she will help increase public awareness, encourage community engagement, and mobilize resources for malaria elimination campaigns.
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