Commissioner urges pharmaceutical coys to manufacture vaccine against malaria
The Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, has urged pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria to manufacture vaccines against malaria.
Obi made the call during an event to commemorate 2024 World Malaria Day with the theme “Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World,” held on Friday at the ministry.
The commissioner said that this had become necessary to reduce overdependence on developed countries to provide most of the medical supplies, including vaccines, used in Nigeria.
According to him, this is the time to really call on Nigeria to look into the possibilities of manufacturing vaccines in our own environment.
“It is not rocket science; only if we put certain standards and policies together will it become possible in our own lifetime.”.
While noting that malaria was a disease of public importance, the commissioner said it was a highly prevalent parasitic infection in Sub-Saharan Africa, which resulted in high morbidity and mortality, especially among children under five and pregnant women.
He added that malaria imposed a high economic and social impact, premature deaths, reduced productivity, and huge medical costs.
“So we are commemorating the day to create massive awareness to bring to light the malaria burden as well as efforts and progress made towards malaria.
“It is also a day to mobilise support for state and non-state stakeholders to renew commitment towards the fight against it.
“Malaria remains a menace in our society, and in spite of the efforts of the government and partners, our state is faced with challenges that hinder the fight against malaria,” he said.
Obi attributed the reason for the endemic to a heavy pattern of rainfall with flooding in some areas, resistance of mosquitoes to routine repellants, poor hygiene and sanitation, overcrowding, non-adherence to malaria guidelines, and inequality in access to care.
He advised citizens to keep their environment clean, put nets on their doors and windows, and avoid staying outside in the evening hours when mosquitoes were high.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Enugu State Malaria Programme Manager and Coordinator, Dr. Ifeoma Otiji, lauded their partners for supporting the state.
She said they would perform tests and treat those who had malaria, adding that a free drug would be given to them.
“There will be a road walk to commemorate and sensitise the public on the dangers of malaria and the need to take adequate care,” she said.
The highlights of the event include the donations of malaria drugs by Gov. Peter Mbah’s wife, Nkechinyere, Juhel Nigeria Limited, and test kits by the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Enugu chapter.
Supreme News World Malaria Day is celebrated every April 25 across the globe to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control.
It was instituted by WHO Member States during the World Health Assembly of 2007.
