By Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has flagged off free malaria testing, treatment, and distribution of malaria drugs to combat the scourge in the state.
He described malaria as a major health challenge and pledged his administration’s determination to eliminate the disease in Edo State.
“Malaria is a major health challenge, but we are determined to eliminate it in Edo State. We are going to eliminate malaria in Edo State just like Algeria, Ivory Coast, and Mauritius have done.
“The support from the Islamic Development Bank will help us achieve that in alliance with the commitment of my administration to affordable healthcare services in the state,” said Governor Okpebholo.
He promised that over the next two years, his administration aims to ensure 80 per cent of pregnant women in the state receive malaria prevention kits and treatment, adding that 95 per cent of people in the state will benefit, with infant deaths caused by malaria reduced to below 10 per cent.
To achieve this, Governor Okpebholo said his administration is making malaria testing and treatment free in all government hospitals across the state.
“We, however, need everyone’s support. While free testing and treatment are in place, we need to raise awareness, which is key, and we will run campaigns to ensure everyone is aware of the services. Anyone caught charging for this free service will be dealt with accordingly.
“We appreciate President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his commitment to better healthcare. We thank the Islamic Development Bank for its funding and support, and the Federal Ministry of Health for its guidance. With our combined efforts, we will achieve a malaria-free Edo State,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo was accompanied by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani Okpebholo; Secretary to Edo State Government, Barr. Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff, Gani Audu; permanent secretaries, health officials, and partners of the programme, among others.
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, commended the Okpebholo-led administration for taking the laudable step to ensure the people enjoy good healthcare.
She noted that, as easy and simple as malaria appears, it is deadly, with statistics showing that 30 per cent of citizens of the state are exposed to it. She added that the state has taken steps to fight and drastically reduce it.
“We have called on Edo people to embrace the initiative and programme, as malaria affects more women and children. This is a good initiative,” she said.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, said the programme is all about free malaria testing and treatment, which is sponsored by the Islamic Development Bank.
He said that for the next two years, all government hospitals in Edo State will receive malaria patients, who will be tested and treated free of charge, warning that no health worker should charge for the service.
The Director General of Edo State Health Insurance Commission, Mrs Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, said the commission is in alliance with the programme to ensure every Edo State citizen has affordable and free access to malaria medication.
She noted that malaria is a pandemic, and the governor has shown that his administration is ready and has taken steps to ensure the disease is eliminated from the state.
