The Cross River State Government has begun a "hang a net " campaign in rural areas of the state as part of measures to actualize a zero Malaria infection rate in the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu made the disclosure in Calabar South Local Government Area while marking the 2021 World Malaria Day celebration with the theme : Reaching the zero malaria target.
Dr Edu noted that for the goal to be attained households must delibrately imbibe the culture of sleeping under insecticide treated nets, thereby minimizing casualty rates especially as the vector will have little or no access to human bodies.
She disclosed the intention of the Government to supply families especially those in the rural areas with nets as part of strategy to eradicate malaria , noting that , in 2018 the state was able to distribute over 2.4 million nets which has resulted in the low index of malaria related death in the state.
In her remarks, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong highlighted the role each stakeholder should play in the elimination malaria in the state.
While commending the health workers for the improved sensitization and outreaches , she said,the move has encouraged women and families to make themselves available for testing in health Facilities .
she reiterated that more work needs to be done, particularly enlightening clients on the importance of testing before treatment, ensuring Stronger collaboration with community leaders, religious leaders and the Local Government to help give the necessary push for people to utilize health facilities, sleeping under long lasting insecticidal treated nets and keeping their environment clean especially now that we are in the rainy season.
Dr Ekpenyong further urged women, especially pregnant ones to ensure that , they attend antenatal classes and maintain clean environment to discourage the breeding of mosquitoes.
"Malaria is caused by Anopheles Mosquito, this mosquitoes can only be found in dirty environment which aid their breeding process. If we keep our surrondings clean, we can eliminate the mosquitoes and prevent Malaria.
All through this year, we have recorded huge improvement on the number of people who come into our facilities to test for malaria, this is due to the commitment of health workers who go into Communities to sensitize others on the need to get tested before taking any medication".
On her part, the Chairman of Calabar South Local Government Area, Mrs Esther Bassey appreciated the health team for the availability of malaria drugs and testing kits , which she said has discouraged the patronage of quacks and inappropriate drugs.
She promised to support health facilities in mobilizing clients to further promote good health and quality Healthcare delivery in the state.
Other speakers including the representatives of the traditional rulers council and partners made renewed commitments in assisting the state actualize a zero malaria death .
The 2021 World Malaria Day had among other Significant programs, free testing for residents in calabar South, Distribution of drugs and the Distribution of insecticide treated nets.
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