Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Bode Ladipo has maintained that the continuous sensitisation against Malaria is the only potent way of achieving zero Malaria case in the state.
Dr Ladipo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Olusoji Adeyanju; made this assertion during a sensitisation programme held at Aduloju Primary Health Care Centre, Bodija Market, Ibadan.
The Commissioner stressed that community sensitisation efforts against Malaria was a continuous exercise in Primary Healthcare Centres across the state.
He noted that the mortality rate in Oyo State stands at 22 percent from the survey released in 2022, adding that the continuous sensitisation of residents at the community level was to ensure further reduction in the mortality rate.
“Through all these efforts, with the support of our implementing partners, the prevalence rate in Oyo State on malaria is reducing, as of today the national prevalence rate for Nigeria is about 46% and that of Oyo State is 22%, we still have a lot of things to do to ensure that we get to that zero prevalence rate.”
He further noted that the monthly community sensitisation routine included awareness on the need for residents to use treated mosquito nets, regular antenatal for expectant mothers, and to prevent complicated cases of malaria in Oyo State.
Meanwhile, the Director of Oyo State Primary Health Care, Dr Olubunmi Ayinde in his remarks said the awareness was aimed at preventing Malaria especially as the rainy season approaches.
The sensitisation exercise which afforded medical experts the opportunity to enlighten men, pregnant women, the aged and children on the negative implications of Malaria was attended by US President Malaria Initiative, Malaria Consortium and the Chairman, Ibadan North Local Government.