Sodiq Ojuroungbe
Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement, Moremi Ojudu has commissioned a campaign titled; ‘Change the Narrative Now’, as an effort to reduce malaria cases in Nigeria’s Southwest region.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Presidential Community Engagement Office in collaboration with Chestrad Global and the Federal Ministry of Health, aims to raise awareness, educate communities, and promote preventative measures against mosquito-borne illness.
Ojudu revealed that the campaign was officially launched at the Ago-Egun community within the Iwaya-Makoko, Yaba area of Lagos State, to commemorate the 2024 World Malaria Day.
PUNCH Healthwise reports that the 2024 World Malaria Day is celebrated annually on April 25.
This year’s event is themed, ‘Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world’.
According to the World Health Organisation, malaria is a life-threatening disease with mild or life-threatening symptoms such as fever, cold, headaches, fatigue and difficulty in breathing, among other symptoms.
The global health body noted that the disease burden is about 249 million cases and 608,000 deaths in 85 countries as of 2022.
WHO noted that Africa carries a high incidence rate of the global malaria burden with about 233 million cases and 580,000 deaths.
Speaking about this year’s commemoration, the president’s aide stressed the importance of grassroots engagement in eradicating malaria.
She explained that the new campaign signifies a concerted effort to empower residents with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves and their families from malaria.
Ojudu said, “Malaria continues to affect our communities disproportionately. The ‘Change the Narrative Now’ campaign signifies a concerted effort to empower residents with the knowledge and resources that is needed to protect themselves and their families.
“The campaign encompasses various activities, including community mobilisation to raise awareness about malaria prevention and treatment, distribution of resources, insecticide-treated mosquito nets and sanitation materials.
“Medical personnel were also on-site to provide check-ups and distribute medications. Essential food supplies were also provided to ensure the well-being of residents.”
While expressing her commitment to lead in the fight against malaria, Ojudu maintained, “We are confident that through a collaborative approach, we can significantly reduce malaria cases in the Southwest.
“By working together, we can change the narrative and create a healthier future for our communities.
“The ‘Change the Narrative Now’ campaign is a significant step towards achieving a malaria-free Southwest Nigeria. With the combined efforts of the government, international partners, and community members. we can win the fight against this preventable disease.”
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