Azi Nyako Youth Centre in Dadin Kowa, Jos, hosted an essential dialogue under the banner “Sub National Conversation and Citizens Action on Ending Malaria in the North Central Region.” The gathering marked a pivotal shift towards empowering communities in Plateau State to spearhead efforts in combating this deadly disease, which disproportionately affects the most vulnerable among us—children under five and pregnant women.
Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-Central), initiated the forum. In her opening remarks, she expressed profound gratitude to the President for endorsing this vital community engagement initiative, proudly announcing Plateau State as the inaugural host. Mrs. Essiet emphasized the crucial role of community participation, outlining simple yet effective measures such as maintaining cleanliness and ensuring proper drainage to prevent the breeding of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.
The event spotlighted the dire statistics that continue to plague Nigeria, with over 229 million cases of malaria annually leading to approximately 490,000 deaths, a significant number of these being young children and expectant mothers. The discussions underscored the urgency of amplifying local actions against malaria’s devastating impact.
Chief Nursing Officer of Jos University Teaching Hospital, Mrs. Grace Babalola, further elevated the conversation with a compelling presentation titled “Beyond Bednets: The Role of Community Stakeholders in Combating Malaria in the Northern Zone.” Mrs. Babalola detailed the clinical aspects of malaria, from symptoms and diagnosis to transmission pathways, emphasizing the critical need for testing and early treatment.
A lively question and answer session followed, enabling participants to clarify doubts and deepen their understanding of the disease and its prevention strategies. This interaction fostered a dynamic exchange of knowledge, crucial for the grassroots mobilization needed to tackle malaria effectively.
The event also featured a series of goodwill messages from various stakeholders, including representatives from Plateau State Government, traditional leaders, and community figures. Each echoed the sentiments of gratitude towards the initiative brought forth by the President and Mrs. Essiet, urging all attendees to disseminate the knowledge gained to their families and broader communities.
