Kwara targets 700,000 children for seasonal malaria chemoprevention drugs
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Kwara Government says no fewer than 700,000 children have been targeted to receive the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) in the state.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Aminat El-Imam, stated this on Monday, while speaking at the inauguration of the 2025 SMC campaign at the Children’s Specialist Hospital, Ilorin.
El-Imam explained that the drugs would be administered to 700,000 children between the ages of three to 59 months old, across 11 local government areas of the state.
According to her, the distribution of the malaria prevention and treatment drugs is part of the government’s effort to eradicate deadly malaria disease in the state.
She said: “The state is administering the drugs in conjunction with the National Malaria Elimination Programme of the Federal Government, and with support from the Global Fund, after payment of counterpart fund, like other 20 states of the federation enjoying the programme.
“Malaria remains one of the greatest public health challenges facing our communities, particularly affecting our children under five years and pregnant women, thereby straining our families and our health system.
“It is a disease that claims lives and hinders our developmental progress.
However, through concerted efforts, innovation, and partnership, Kwara State is turning the tide against malaria”.
The commissioner described the SMC as a proven, life-saving intervention designed to protect vulnerable children during the peak malaria transmission season.
She noted that by administering preventive treatment during the critical months, burden of malaria morbidity and mortality would be reduced.
“Our health workers, community volunteers, and all stakeholders are prepared and determined to ensure that the doses reach every eligible child promptly and safely.
“Let me emphasise that the success of this campaign depends heavily on community participation and acceptance,” she said.
She, therefore, called on community leaders, parents and caregivers to support the initiative by encouraging children to receive their treatments on schedule.
El-Imam appealed to mothers and caregivers to inculcate utmost cleanliness of the environment and other preventive practices such as consistent use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
“Environmental sanitation is crucial in eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and prompt health-seeking behaviour when symptoms arise,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yetunde Fatungase
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