As Nigeria grapples with high deaths caused by malaria, an NGO, the International Centre for Women Empowerment and Child Development (ICWECD) has taken the battle against the disease to 200 rural communities in oil rich Delta State where malaria has become highly prevalent.
ICWECD Executive Director, Bridget Anyafulu, said on Sunday in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, that 500 insecticide treated nets and anti-malaria drugs have been distributed to the grassroots who were mainly living in creeks.
Anyafulu said the campaign was carried out in collaboration with the Society for Family Health in 13 local government areas of Delta.
The campaign, she said, was meant to complement the efforts of federal and state governments to eradicate malaria and build a healthy people in the oil rich area.
Malaria prevalence is still severe in Africa where about 90 per cent of malaria cases occurred and “Malaria prevalence is still very high in Nigeria and it accounts for more than 60 per cent of out-patient cases in health facilities.”
Anyafulu said malaria was also responsible for 25 per cent of all infant related mortality and 11 per cent maternal mortality in Nigeria.
The control of malaria in Nigeria would significantly increase productivity and the income of families.
Source African Press Agency
