Kogi, malaria consortium launch SMC programme

 


Malaria Consortium, an international non-governmental organisation, has partnered with the Kogi Government to launch a Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) programme in the state.


Mr Andrew Okwulu, State Project Manager of Malaria Consortium, disclosed this at a media parley on Wednesday in Lokoja.


He said the partnership is part of broader efforts to improve health and save lives in malaria-affected communities.


Okwulu revealed that Kogi recorded 40,678 confirmed malaria cases among children under five, with 683 of them being severe in 2024.


He said, “Sadly, 12 children under five died from malaria, although the actual number may be higher due to underreporting.


“These figures highlight the urgent need for effective malaria interventions for vulnerable groups,” he said.


According to him, the SMC programme entails administering monthly anti-malaria drugs to children under five to prevent infection.


He stressed the need to tackle malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, and neglected tropical diseases, which still claim many young lives.


Okwulu said the programme is expected to boost the state’s malaria elimination efforts significantly.


He noted that the Malaria Consortium has operated in Nigeria since 2008 and launched SMC in 2014.


The organisation currently implements SMC in 18 of Nigeria’s 21 states.


He said collaboration with the state government and stakeholders will improve programme effectiveness.


Mr Matthew Orimodu, State Focal Person for ACSM, outlined major challenges facing malaria control in Kogi.


These include funding shortages, poor logistics, and inadequate human resources.


Orimodu suggested sourcing support from global organisations, government bodies, and private donors.


He recommended strong supply chain systems and technology use for monitoring and delivery.


Dr Salamotu Usman, State Focal Person of FAMKRIS Health Initiative, said her group is expanding malaria prevention in Kogi.


She said interventions include Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN) distribution and Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT).


Usman said the Support to Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) aims to raise awareness and knowledge of malaria prevention.


She added, “We want people to know the value of testing before treating malaria.


“Free Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and treatment are available in health centres.


“Our goal is for everyone to become a malaria advocate in their community,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng

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