Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, inaugurated a comprehensive malaria elimination program on Thursday, aimed at addressing the significant health challenge posed by malaria in the region.
This initiative will provide free malaria testing, treatment, and the distribution of malaria medications across all government hospitals in the state.
During the inauguration, Governor Okpebholo underscored the urgency of combating malaria, calling it a “major concern for the state.” He referenced countries such as Algeria, Ivory Coast, and Mauritius as successful models for malaria eradication and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving similar outcomes in Edo.
The program’s key objectives include not only free testing and treatment but also the distribution of malaria prevention kits, with a focus on pregnant women. The governor announced that 80 percent of pregnant women in the state are expected to benefit from these services.
Moreover, Governor Okpebholo stated that efforts would be intensified to reduce infant mortality linked to malaria to below 10 percent. He emphasized the importance of public awareness campaigns to inform residents about the availability of these free services, highlighting the need for a collaborative approach across all sectors to reach a malaria-free Edo.
In his remarks, the governor acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu in enhancing healthcare and expressed gratitude to the Islamic Development Bank, the Federal Ministry of Health, and other partners for their contributions to the initiative.
Edesili Okpebholo, Coordinator of the Office of the Governor’s Wife, praised the administration’s proactive approach to healthcare, particularly in combating malaria.
She reiterated the seriousness of the disease, which currently affects 30 percent of the state’s population, and emphasized that ongoing efforts to combat malaria represent significant strides toward improving public health in Edo.
