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As malaria cases soar in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, the residents have called for immediate action to mitigate the fast spreading cases among children and adults in the state.
Some of the residents who lamented their inability to purchase drugs, insecticides and other preventives due to the economic hardship reminded Arewa PUNCH that in the past, there used to be some form of assistance from the government and non-governmental organisation to help people manage malaria cases.
One of the residents, Ibrahim Aisha, a fashion designer who resides in the Modugari area of Maiduguri, described the situation as “worrisome,” adding that two of her siblings were currently battling with the malaria scourge in her home, and when they visited the hospital, they met several other patients with similar situation.
“The situation is currently worrisome. Malaria is a common sickness in Maiduguri, especially during the rainy season. But that of this year is going out of hand. People are contracting it anyhow, including my two siblings; and the cost of drugs is so much on the high,” she lamented.
On his part, Michel Onah, who is a private school teacher explained that in previous years, Non governmental organisations and the various government levels often provided aids such as free drugs, drainage system/gutter cleanups, fumigation, mosquito nets distribution and distribution of insecticides all of which are no longer available.
As a result, he urged the government to come to their aid as indigenes and residents of Borno State to battle the economic hardship.
“We enjoyed many support in the past during the rainy season like this from the government and NGOs. They share mosquito nets, drug, and even free medical services. You know that the mosquito scourge is very high in Maiduguri, so when it is raining season they begin to distribute anti-malaria products.
“But because of the current situation, affordability has become an issue since those incentives are not forthcoming,” he added.
However, a pharmacist in Maiduguri, Ferdinand Chinda, called on the residents to take personal precautionary measures, including taking their environmental hygiene seriously, and ensuring the prevention, and tackling early detection of the malaria prevalence with effective treatment.
In his words, “Gaskiya, currently, in every 10 cases that I have had to attend to in the past 10 days, seven are malaria related. When you direct them to visit the hospital, they complain of lack of money and request anything that can just subside the pain.
“The governments at the various levels have been trying, no doubt. For instance, in the past, all these road drainage systems and gutters would’ve been cleaned and fumigated, and you know these are some of the channels through which these malaria carriers get infected. These energies need to be sustained to avoid people contracting the worst of it.
“The need for effective drainage system can not be over-emphasised as this will go a long way.
“However, we as medical practitioners have always advised patients to ensure prevention, early detection, and effective treatment at all cost because malaria is not something to joke with,” he stressed.
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