Essential Ndubuisi
The Federal Government has called for the financial assistance of state governments for malaria control.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr Olufunso Adebiyi, disclosed this during an advocacy visit by the Insecticide Treated Mosquito Net Campaign Team to the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke in Osogbo on Tuesday.
The PS specifically said Osun would provide 15 per cent of the total global fund support amounting to N261m annually to continue enjoying the global fund grants.
Adebiyi whose speech was read by Mr Chukwu Okworonko, who represented him, noted that the number of malaria cases in Osun since 2014 was about 1.4 million, adding that 4.2 million estimated cases were averted in the state between 2009 and 202.
He appealed to the governor to ensure that residents of the state collect and use the insecticide net to prevent malaria.
He said: “The number of malaria cases in Osun since 2014 is about 1.4 million. That means about 162 cases occurred every hour in the state, particularly malaria. However, due to the efforts of partners and government including, of course, global funds, about 50 million cases have been averted in Nigeria between 2009 and 2021.
“Specifically in Osun State, an estimated 4.2 million cases have been averted between 2009 and 2021. That is something to cheer about. Also in the state, prevalence has decreased from 33 per cent. We need your support.
“We requested that there should be a co-financing from the state government and that co-financing is about 15 per cent of the total grant money including the cost of these activities and that co-financing came to about N788 million only in three years which is about N261 million on an annual basis.”
Responding, the governor assured the team of his support for the net distribution exercise, noting that the state would also complement the team wherever needed.
“Osun has good track records in malaria advocacy and treated nets distribution. This year is not going to be an exemption. I am giving the entire process of the net distribution my full support. Our people will receive the nets and use them. This will contribute to a further reduction in the malaria burden in our dear State,” Adeleke said.
