Malaria Sensitisation Programme in Bayelsa State Exposes Alarming Statistics and Urges Collective Action

Strategic Insights -

As part of her Community Development Service programme, a National Youth Service Corps member, Blessing Nwokeoma, has embarked on a sensitisation campaign to educate residents of Yenagoa Local Government Area in Bayelsa State on the prevention of malaria surges. The programme, which was held on the premises of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, featured the distribution of anti-malaria drugs, treated mosquito nets, insecticides, and a large waste bin, among others. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the dangers of malaria, its transmission, and prevention methods, particularly in riverine and tropical regions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The World Health Organisation reports that Nigeria carries the world's heaviest malaria burden, accounting for 27% of global cases and 31% of global deaths.
  • According to the WHO's latest World Malaria Report, there were an estimated 263 million cases and 597,000 malaria deaths worldwide in 2023.
  • Blessing Nwokeoma, the corps member, stressed that the programme seeks to enlighten the community on how malaria is transmitted, its dangers, and most importantly, how to prevent it.
  • Speaking at the event, Dr. Joy Akahome, a senior lecturer at the Department of Entrepreneurship and Marketing, Federal University, Otuoke, highlighted the economic, entrepreneurial, and religious concerns posed by malaria.
  • She noted that the abundance of rivers, creeks, and mangroves in Bayelsa State puts it at risk of malaria because of mosquitoes.
  • The Ovom community, where the sensitisation was held, is situated beside the river and has a waste dump nearby, making it a high-risk area for malaria transmission.
  • The programme has sparked calls for collective action from all stakeholders and individuals to reverse the national development and combat the relentless spread of malaria.

Statistics:

  • There were an estimated 263 million cases and 597,000 malaria deaths worldwide in 2023 (WHO's World Malaria Report).
  • Nigeria carries the world's heaviest malaria burden, accounting for 27% of global cases and 31% of global deaths.
  • The Ovom community is at risk of malaria transmission due to its proximity to the river and the presence of a waste dump.
  • Families in affected areas spend heavily on treatment, often at the expense of food, education, or small business investments.

Sources:

  • The World Health Organisation (WHO)
  • World Malaria Report (2023)
  • Blessing Nwokeoma, National Youth Service Corps member
  • Dr. Joy Akahome, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Entrepreneurship and Marketing, Federal University, Otuoke
  • Peace Ogogo, Acting Deputy Female Chief, Ovom community
  • Dr. Gesiye Bozimo, FMC Head of Clinical Services