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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has launched a comprehensive malaria testing and treatment initiative aimed at combating the disease in the state.
The programme, which also includes the distribution of malaria drugs, is set to provide free malaria services to all citizens across government-run health facilities in Edo.
Accompanied by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa; Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani Okpebholo; Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff, Gani Audu; Permanent Secretaries; health officials; and program partners, the governor expressed his commitment to tackling malaria, a significant health challenge in the region.
“Malaria is a major health challenge, but we are determined to eliminate it in Edo State. We will eradicate malaria in this state just as Algeria, Ivory Coast, and Mauritius have done,” Governor Okpebholo declared during the flag-off ceremony.
The governor also highlighted the critical support from the Islamic Development Bank, whose funding will help drive this initiative.
He reaffirmed that his administration remains dedicated to providing affordable healthcare services for the people of Edo.
Over the next two years, Governor Okpebholo’s administration plans to provide malaria prevention kits and treatment to 80 per cent of pregnant women in the state.
The goal is to ensure that 95 per cent of the state’s population benefits from the program, which aims to reduce malaria-related infant mortality to less than 10 per cent.
To achieve these ambitious targets, all government hospitals in Edo State will offer free malaria testing and treatment.
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The governor emphasised the importance of public awareness in making the program a success, noting that campaigns will be launched to inform the population about the free services available.
“We need everyone’s support. While free testing and treatment are available, we need to raise awareness, which is key. Anyone caught charging for this free service will be dealt with accordingly,” the governor stressed.
Governor Okpebholo also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to improving healthcare in Nigeria, as well as to the Islamic Development Bank and the Federal Ministry of Health for their contributions.
Edesili Anani Okpebholo, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, commended the initiative, stating that while malaria may seem simple to some, it remains a deadly disease.
She revealed that 30 per cent of Edo’s citizens are exposed to malaria, with women and children being disproportionately affected.
She urged Edo residents to embrace the program to help reduce the impact of the disease in the state.
Cyril Oshiomhole, Commissioner for Health, elaborated on the specifics of the program, explaining that it will run for two years, offering free malaria testing and treatment in all government hospitals in the state.
He warned health workers not to charge for the services.
Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, Director General of the Edo State Health Insurance Commission, emphasized the Commission’s partnership with the programme, ensuring that every citizen has access to affordable and free malaria medication.
She praised the governor for his proactive steps in addressing the malaria pandemic and showed confidence in the state’s ability to eliminate the disease.
