Abia State residents have received a stern warning against self-medication, particularly when experiencing fever.
During the World Malaria Day celebration in Umuahia, Abia First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, emphasized the importance of seeking proper medical attention instead of self-treatment.
She expressed her dedication to preventing malaria-related deaths in Abia State, emphasizing that prevention is more effective and economical than cure.
Mrs. Otti highlighted health facility records indicating that out of 95,693 confirmed fever cases, 33,110 were diagnosed with uncomplicated malaria.
She emphasized the significance of visiting healthcare facilities for accurate diagnosis and treatment, cautioning against the dangers of self-medication.
She noted, “Malaria is an age-long tropical disease that has taken away the precious lives of many people. The most vulnerable people are pregnant women, children who are 0 to 59 months old and people who return after living abroad for many years. It is amazing how bites from fragile-looking mosquitoes could lead to serious medical challenges in these vulnerable groups of persons.
“No wonder the global community set aside 25th April yearly to commemorate an increased resolution to ensure continuous delivery of anti-malaria services to all who need them despite funding constraints, and the barriers faced in accessing such services by people living in remote communities”.
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“It deeply concerns us to learn that Abia State is currently listed among regions grappling with a high burden of malaria. However, I can assure you that by the time we convene for next year’s Malaria Day commemoration, Abia will have shed this label. We will labour tirelessly, round the clock, to achieve this goal. We will initiate the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and engage in vigorous enlightenment campaigns, especially in our rural areas.
“Fortunately, our health centres in various Local Government Areas are now receiving more attention from the state government, so it’s an advantage in this fight.
She therefore called for all hands to be on deck to ensure that malaria does not steal the lives of Abia citizens and advised all to always remember that sleeping under an insecticide-treated mosquito net protects them, adding, “Enough is enough”.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeyonwa Blossom Uma Kalu advised all not to allow malaria to steal their children.
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