Federal Government has been urged to strengthen institutions fighting malaria and increase budgetary commitment to it for effective control.
Professor Olugbenga Mokuolu of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin gave the charge, penultimate Monday.
Delivering a lecture at a programme organised by the Ilorin University Medical Student’s Association (ILUMSA), held at the institution, he advised governments at all levels to develop strong political will for the elimination and eradication of malaria in Nigeria.
Mokuolu called for measures that can dramatically reduce the malaria burden in Nigeria, noting that it is a serious and sometimes fatal disease.
He recommended the deployment of modern technology, proper nutrition and urbanisation as a strategy to reduce malaria burden and eventually eradicate it.
The Don, speaking at the 3rd Olugbenga Mokuolu Annual ILUMSA Lecture spoke on the topic “Zero Malaria starts with Me,” said the fight against the scourge is everybody’s business.
He stressed that the battle against malaria cannot be left alone for the government, noting that everyone has a role to play in eradicating it.
The medical doctor further stressed that malaria could be prevented if everyone could keep to basic hygiene principles both in homes and the environment.
He, however, stated that Nigeria has made steady progress in the key interventions of fighting malaria, urging governments to build on the achievement by taking up developmental issues as catalysts in the fight against malaria.
He commended the ILUMSA for organising the lecture and described the event as worthwhile aimed at promoting a healthy society.
In his remarks, the President of ILUMSA, Afolabi Great said the lecture was organised in honour of Professor Mokuolu, saying that the event was aimed at malaria reduction in the society.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Malaria Day Committee, Abdussakam Widad called on all and sundry to contribute their quota towards the eradication of malaria in the society.
