Kogi earmarks N4bn for malaria prevention campaign

Usman Ododo, the governor of Kogi, says the state has earmarked over N4 billion for malaria prevention across healthcare systems.

Ododo spoke in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi, on Wednesday during the inauguration of a malaria prevention campaign held at the government house.

The governor said the campaign includes distribution of free drugs and test kits across healthcare facilities in the state.

He said anti-malaria drugs, rapid diagnostic test kits, and over three million insecticide-treated nets would be distributed to healthcare facilities.

He said the campaign is in line with his administration’s commitment to promote healthy living and the well-being of people of the state.

The governor cited statistics from the 2024 World Malaria Report, which said, “Africa accounted for 94 percent of global malaria cases in 2023, with Nigeria contributing 30 percent of the 5,970 deaths recorded”.

“Kogi state’s malaria prevalence of 16 percent exceeded the national target of less than 10 percent, necessitating urgent intervention by all stakeholders,” he said.

Ododo noted the importance of ensuring that the supplies get to the communities and people for which they are meant to improve health outcomes.

He said the items were not for sale, warning that anyone found guilty of diverting them would be prosecuted.

He said the Islamic Development Bank is supporting the programme with over 10,000 cartons of anti-malaria drugs and test kits containing more than one million doses for children and nearly two million doses for adults.

“The supplies will be distributed to 536 government health facilities across the state, including primary healthcare centres, general hospitals, and teaching hospitals,” the governor said.

He urged traditional rulers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), religious leaders, and other stakeholders to join hands with the government in ensuring the success of the initiative.