By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
USAID funded Integrated Health Program (USAID IHP) in collaboration with Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis/Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA) and other health related partners have flagged off this year’s world malaria day with a call on the general public, especially women, to always take precaution against the scourge of Malaria.
Addressing lactating and expectant mothers at the flag off ceremony held at Ningi Town Maternity and Primary Health Care Center (PHC) on Tuesday 25th April, 2023, Integrated PHC Advisor of USAID IHP (TO3), Dr Darlington Okoye said that malaria remains one of the public health concern that affects life expectancy, especially among pregnant women and newborns, that needs the collective effort of all stakeholders to mitigate the scourge.
Dr. Okoye said that because of the seriousness which USAID IHP attached to checkmating the scourge of malaria, the program had trained 30 laboratory scientists in Bauchi state and equipped to enable them carry out diagnosis of malaria among pregnant women and children U-5.
He then reiterated the resolve of USAID-IHP to continue supporting Bauchi State through its agencies to fight the malaria scourge and other public health threats towards enhancing quality lives of citizens.
In a press conference after the flag off event, Bauchi State Commissioner for Health Dr. Sabiu Abdu Gwalabe revealed that despite the fact that Malaria Disease is Treatable, Curable, Controllable and Preventable; but still many communities have a low level of knowledge on the management and prevention of Malaria particularly in Africa where the disease is endemic.
He said that the World Malaria Day provides an avenue to review the successes as well as challenges recorded in the Elimination of Malaria and to foster appropriate solutions as well as commitment by Governments and donors.
While highlighting some of the achievements recorded at the state level from 2022 to date, Dr. Gwalabe, who was represented by Dr. Yakubu Abdullahi Gida of BACATMA said that during the period under review Bauchi State Government has distributed about 2 Million Doses of ACT antimalarial drugs through over 500 public Health Facilities as DRF, distribution of about 3 Million RDT kits for Malaria diagnosis free of charge to over 500 HFs, training of health care providers on management of Malaria in pregnancy and, Training of 621 CORPS on community distribution of LLINS.
Other achievements recorded according to the commissioner include:
– Training of 700 Health care Providers Malaria commodities Logistic System.
– Training of 702 Health care workers on Case Management of Malaria
– Training of 659 Health Care Providers on Integrated Vector Management
– Training of 659 Health Care Providers on Routine Distribution of LLINS in Health Facilities.
– Training of over 20 Laboratory Scientists (WHO Certified) on Malaria Microscopy.
– Establishment of External Quality Assurance Centre at Bauchi Specialist Hospital.
– The introduction of SMC which commenced since 2020 in the State, it is targeting over Two Million Children this Year. It is gratifying to know that Bauchi State had emerged as the best Implementing State in 2022 exercise with over 99% scoring.
He also disclosed that the state is about to commence the mass distribution of 4.4 Million ITNs in Bauchi State aimed curtailing the spread of malaria.
The Commissioner also took time to disclosed some of the challenges in trying to mitigate malaria in the state. According to him the challenges were mainly in the areas of Inadequate Malaria Commodities and Use of Chloroquine and SP for Malaria Treatment by PMVs and some Health Facilities.
He also informed that poor awareness among communities on malaria management and Prevention, and poor sanitary conditions of environment post a serious threat to the fight against malaria.
The commissioner further mentioned that dwindling financial resources from government and implementing partners is also affecting the campaign against malaria.
The Commissioner then thanked the state Governor Bala Mohammed for support the ministry is getting and also commended development partners, CSOs, religious and traditional leaders and the media for the consistent support aimed at improving the health status of the citizens.
There were goodwill messages from other USAID Funded flagship projects that include: PMI, GHSC-PSM and BAN.
Our correspondent reports that part activity commemorating will include free medical outreach in Ningi LGA and live radio phone-in health talk on radio.