Oyo state Commissioner for health, Dr Bode Ladipo has identified continuous sensitization against malaria as a potent way of achieving zero malaria in the state.

Dr Ladipo stated this at a sensitization programme held at Aduloju primary health care centre, Bodija market, Ibadan.

Represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Dr Olusoji Adeyanju, the commissioner explained that Community sensitization efforts against malaria is a continuous exercise in PHCs across the state.

Dr Ladipo who stated that mortality rate in Oyo state stands at 22% from the survey released in 2022, explained that the continuous sensitization 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 prevelence rate in Oyo state on malaria is reducing, as of today, the national prevelence 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 prevelence rate”.

He said the monthly community sensitization routine includes awareness on the need for residents to use treated mosquito nets, regular ante-natal for expectant mothers, and to prevent complicated cases of malaria in Oyo state.

Director, Oyo state Primary Health Care, Dr Olubunmi Ayinde, said the awareness was aimed at preventing malaria especially as the rainy season approaches.

Reacting, Oyo state coordinator, Breakthrough Action Nigeria, Mrs Oluwatoyin Afachung said, to sustain the four-year interval of the distribution of malaria treated net, the exercise would be held next year.

The sensitization exercise which afforded medical experts the opportunity to enlighten men, pregnant women, the aged and children on the negative implications of malaria had in attendance, US President Malaria Initiative, Malaria Consoltium and the Chairman, Ibadan North Local government.

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