by Christiana Gokyo, Jos

Executive Secretary of Yobe State Primary Health Management Board, Dr. Kundi Machina, has disclosed that the state has ‘reduced’ malaria burden since 2013, from 42% then to 27%. He made this known, while speaking at a press briefing in Damaturu to mark this year’s 2022 Malaria Day.

Dr. Machina explained that, the success was achieved through various scientifically-proven interventions that took place in the state, including mass distribution of Insecticidal Treated Nets (ITNs), Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention targeting children under 5 years and intermittent Preventive Therapy for pregnant mothers. 

He noted that, Yobe State Government has made huge progress in the fight against malaria since 2013, resulting in a significant reduction in malaria burden. 

Dr. Machina said, “2013 NDHS shows that malaria is now responsible for 2 out of 10 deaths in children less than 5 years, as against 30% in previous years … the NMIS 2015 shows a remarkable fall in the malaria prevalence, from 42% to 27%, which is commendable stride in government’s effort to stem malaria.”

He stressed that, the State Government, with partners, has distributed 2.2 million Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) in a massive campaign across the seventeen local government areas in the state.

According to him, plans are at advanced state to carry out another massive campaign with partners, which is scheduled to commence in August this year and a third round of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention in the LGAs.

Dr. Machina called on the private sector to commit more resources to the fight against malaria, stressing that the huge resources required to fight the scourge can only be realised with the commitment of philanthropists, private sector and government, and commended the partners for their commitment to the fight.