Malaria Day: Ado-Odo/Ota LG in Conjunction with CUCDIIC Offers Free Medical Services
By Sheriff Alabi
The Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government in conjunction with Covenant University Community Development Impact Initiative Committee, (CUCDIIC), joined the World to commemorate the year 2022 World Malaria Day, Themed, “Harness Innovation to Reduce Malaria Disease Burden and Save Lives” held at Chief Nasir Deinde Memorial Hall, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Secretariat, Ota.
The Executive Chairman, Hon Sheriff Adewale Musa, ably represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Saidat Olatunbosun Animasaun, in his welcome address, appreciated Covenant University for their Initiative at collaborating with Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government to celebrate Year 2022 World Malaria Day.
The Council Boss also extended his appreciation to the Chancellor of the University, Dr. David Oyedepo for his continuous people oriented programs and his support to the Council at all times.
Hon. Musa advised the people of the Council Area, to always keep their environment clean at all times, as this will eradicate breeding of mosquitoes and spreading of malaria parasites within the communities.
The Supervisor for Primary Health Care/ Water Resources and Environmental Sanitation of the Council, Mr Wesu Obanla, commended Covenant University for making the health of the masses their top priority and their endless support to the communities within the Council Area.
He stated that the issue of malaria treatment should not be taking with kid gloves and urged the gathering to take advantage of the free medical diagnosis and treatment offered by Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government and Covenant University, in order to be free from malaria.
He enjoined the people to always visit the Health Care centres for diagnosis and treatment of Malaria, as against self medications.
The Head of Local Government Administration, Dr Adebola Bamgbose in his Goodwill message, stated that malaria can be treated easily if only people do away with self medication and present themselves for diagnosis and treatment at various health centres in the council Area.
He emphasised on the need to always follow the prescription of qualified Medical personnels.
The Community Liaison Officer of Covenant University, Dr Ademola Adebanjo, during his health talk, stated that, mosquitoes killed 775 thousand people in year 2021, stressing that Malaria is the highest killer of young children and pregnant women in Nigeria and the World as a whole.
He added that, Malaria can only be eradicated in various communities by cleaning the environments, cutting of bushes and avoidance of water stagnation in and around our surroundings.
He advised that people should endeavour to sleep under the treated insecticide net; go for medical check up and follow the use of prescribed drugs.
Dr. Tayo George, in her own health talk, stated that in year 2020 there were an estimated 241 million cases of malaria world wide; the estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 627 thousand.
She added that the World Health Organization and African Region carried a disproportionate high share of the global malaria burden.
“In year 2020 the region was down to 95% of malaria cases and 96% of malaria deaths, children under age 5 accounted for about 80% of all malaria death in the region” George said.
She therefore advised people to get diagnosed and treated at all times as self medication is not advisable.
The people of various communities were examined through free medical diagnosis and treatment by the medical team of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Primary Health Care and Covenant University Community Development Impact Initiative Committee team.