The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, Dr. Oluwatosin Ademola Ojo, has commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening Nigeria’s fight against malaria through improved prevention, treatment, and public health interventions.
Dr. Ojo, a medical practitioner, gave the commendation during a live health programme on The African Portal Radio/TV hosted by Dare Olusan, where he spoke extensively on the causes, prevention, treatment, and control of malaria.
According to him, the Federal Government has demonstrated a strong commitment to malaria control through the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), resulting in significant progress in reducing the burden of the disease across the country.
He noted that recent health data indicate a decline in malaria prevalence in Nigeria from about 42 per cent to approximately 15 per cent, attributing the improvement to sustained public health investments, increased awareness campaigns, and enhanced access to diagnosis and treatment services.
Describing malaria as one of Africa’s most pressing public health challenges, Dr. Ojo explained that the disease is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
He further stressed that despite its deadly impact, malaria remains both preventable and treatable when detected early and properly managed.
The APC chieftain urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures by maintaining clean environments and eliminating stagnant water around homes and communities to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
He also advised households to sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, use mosquito repellents—particularly during evening and nighttime hours—and install window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering their homes.
Dr. Ojo further encouraged pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics regularly and receive recommended preventive malaria medications to protect both maternal and child health.
The medical practitioner further applauded President Tinubu’s administration for prioritising malaria elimination while calling for stronger collaboration among governments at all levels, healthcare professionals, development partners, civil society organisations, and citizens to sustain the gains already recorded.
He maintained that public awareness, environmental sanitation, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment remain critical to reducing malaria-related illnesses and deaths across the country.
Expressing optimism about the future, Dr. Ojo said Nigeria has the capacity to eliminate malaria as a major public health burden if current interventions are sustained and supported by active public participation.
“With continued government commitment, improved healthcare delivery, and the cooperation of citizens, Nigeria can significantly reduce the impact of malaria and move closer to achieving elimination targets,” he said.
Packaged by Oludotun Ajibola
