Malaria

By Fabian Ekeruche

The Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) has expressed its renewed commitment to a malaria-free country just as Nigeria joined the global community to commemorate  the World Mosquito Day 2025.

This is contained in a statement signed by the National Public Relations officer, PECAN, Dr Dennis Olabisi, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

NAN reports that the theme of the celebration is: “Accelerating the Fight Against Mosquitoes for a Malaria-Free Nation.”

Speaking on the celebration, PECAN President, Mr Olakunle Williams, reiterated the association’s resolve to intensify collaboration with government, development partners, and communities in the war against mosquitoes.

Williams described mosquitoes as the single deadliest vector of malaria in Nigeria.

He noted that malaria continued to claim thousands of lives yearly in Nigeria in spite of being preventable and treatable.

“As professional pest controllers, we stand at the frontline of protecting public health.

“This World Mosquito Day reminds us of the urgent need to accelerate interventions, deepen awareness, and support the Federal Government’s malaria elimination roadmap,” Williams said.

He said that PECAN had consistently advanced mosquito control and malaria prevention projects nationwide, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

He said PECAN had delivered life-saving interventions to high-risk communities in  partnership with stakeholders such as the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, Rotary International, and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency.

He listed the communities as the Internally Displaced Persons camps in Abuja, Itire/Ikate and Kirikiri communities in Lagos State.

“PECAN is targeted the Makoko fishing community for its 2025 CSR outreach,” he said.

PECAN urges Nigerians to take proactive steps in the fight against mosquitoes and malaria through the adoption of the following preventive measures:

” Nigerians should eliminate stagnant water around homes and communities and adopt proper waste disposal and sanitation practices.

” Nigerians should make use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and make use of indoor residual spraying (IRS) with approved insecticides.

” Nigerians should seek prompt medical treatment when symptoms occur,” he said.

Williams appealed to the government at all levels to increase investment in malaria control programmes, strengthen health infrastructure, and support professional pest management services.

“Nigeria cannot afford to remain the epicentre of malaria.

“We call on the federal, state, and local governments to prioritise mosquito control by funding integrated vector management programmes, supporting community-led initiatives, and empowering licensed pest control professionals.

“Only through sustained investment and political will can we accelerate the fight against mosquitoes and achieve a malaria-free nation,” Williams said.

NAN reports that the World Mosquito Day is observed annually on August 20.

It honours the groundbreaking discovery made in 1897 by Sir Ronald Ross, who proved that female anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans.

The scientific breakthrough laid the foundation for global malaria prevention efforts. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma