Lokoja, Kogi State — The Kogi State Government has committed over ₦4 billion to bolster healthcare systems as part of efforts to prevent a malaria outbreak.
The announcement was made by Governor Usman Ododo during the launch of a malaria prevention campaign in Lokoja on Wednesday. He reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of residents.
As part of the initiative, healthcare facilities across the state will be stocked with anti-malaria drugs, rapid diagnostic test kits, and insecticide-treated nets to combat the disease effectively.
Governor Ododo expressed concern over the state’s malaria prevalence rate of 16 percent, which exceeds the national target of less than 10 percent. He stressed the need for swift and coordinated action to reverse the trend.
In collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank, the state will receive over 10,000 cartons of anti-malaria drugs and test kits, including more than one million doses for children and nearly two million doses for adults.
The governor urged citizens to actively participate in the fight against malaria, highlighting the importance of collective efforts to eliminate the disease from the state.
Malaria continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Kogi State, with past studies in areas like Anyigba town revealing concerning statistics. Between 2010 and 2012, the incidence rate reached 467.2 per 1,000 persons, indicating that nearly half of the town’s population experienced at least one episode of malaria annually.
By Enoch Odesola| January 30, 2025
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