Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has asked the United States of America to assist Nigeria in its goal to eradicate malaria by the year 2020.
Adewole made the request for help while speaking at an event to celebrate the 2017 World Malaria Day organised by the US Embassy.
“Our target is to achieve zero mortality rate from malaria by 2020; very ambitious target but doable. We can achieve it. That no Nigeria dies of malaria by 2020.
“We are working together with the Governors’ Forum to build a strong alliance on health system, to treat malaria, continue with the prevention of malaria and make sure we take malaria off the street.
“I use this occasion to solicit for more support to enable us achieve a pre-elimination phase in 2020,” he said.
Mr. David Young, Deputy Head of Mission, U.S Embassy, advised Nigerians to embrace the use of mosquito nets in order to help control the spread of malaria until it is completely eradicated.
“Ending malaria for good is achievable if we play our individual and collective roles. Remember that malaria is preventable; ensure that you and all members of your household sleep under a treated bed net every night.
“Malaria is diagnosable; always demand a malaria diagnostic test before accepting treatment. Malaria is treatable.
“Once a fever is confirmed to be malaria, Artemisinin Based Combination Therapy (ACTs) are the only effective treatment.
“Do not use counterfeit or substandard drugs like chloroquine; they do not cure malaria,” Young warned.
