Edo unveils free malaria treatment for residents

To fight the disease in the state, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo said on Wednesday that free malaria testing, treatment, and medication distribution would begin.

Along with Okpebholo were his deputy, Dennis Idahosa; Edesili Anani Okpebholo, coordinator of the Office of the First Lady; Musa Ikhilor, secretary to the Edo State Government; Gani Audu, chief of staff; permanent secretaries; health officials; and program partners, among others.

The governor stated that his administration is committed to eradicating malaria in the state and characterised the illness as a serious health concern.

"Malaria is a serious health concern, but we are committed to eradicating it in Edo State," he stated. We intend to eradicate malaria in Edo State, following in the footsteps of Mauritius, Algeria, and Ivory Coast.

"The support from the Islamic Development Bank will help us achieve that in alliance with the commitment of my administration to affordable healthcare services in the state,” he said.

The governor said over the next two years, his administration aims to ensure 80 per cent of pregnant women in the state receive malaria prevention kits and treatment.
He said that 95% of the state's population would gain from it, and that the percentage of baby deaths from malaria would drop to less than 10%.

He claimed that in order to achieve this, his administration is providing free malaria testing and treatment in all of the state's government hospitals.

But we require everyone's help. We will launch campaigns to make sure that everyone is aware of the services, even though free testing and treatment are available. Anyone found to be charging for this complimentary service will face appropriate consequences.

"We value President Ahmed Bola Tinubu's dedication to improving healthcare. We are grateful to the Federal Ministry of Health for its financial assistance and the Islamic Development Bank for its guidance. With our combined efforts we will achieve a malaria-free Edo State,” he said.

The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani-Okpebholo, commended the Okpebholo-led administration for taking the laudable step in ensuring the people enjoy good healthcare.

Anani-Okpebholo noted that as easy and simple as malaria appears, it is deadly, even as statistics show that 30 per cent of citizens of the state are exposed to it, adding that the State has taken steps to fight and drastically reduce it.
"As malaria affects more women and children, we have called on Edo people to embrace the initiative and program," she continued. This is a commendable endeavour.

The program, which is supported by the Islamic Development Bank, focusses on providing free malaria testing and treatment, according to Commissioner for Health Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole.

He said that all government hospitals in Edo State will treat and test people for malaria for free for the next two years, adding that no healthcare provider should charge for the treatment.

Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, the director general of the Edo State Health Insurance agency, stated that the agency is working with the initiative to guarantee that all residents of Edo State have free and inexpensive access to malaria medicine.
She pointed out that malaria is a pandemic and that the governor has demonstrated that his government is prepared by taking action to eradicate the illness from the state.