As part of efforts to eradicate malaria in Nigeria, the federal government through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has held a one-day sensitization programme in Akwa Ibom State.
The Commission, at the event held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Friday to mark the 2024 World Malaria Day, extensively sensitized attendees on the possible causes and prevention of the disease.
Also, the NDDC medical team conducted free diagnosis, treatment, drug administration as well as distribution of mosquito nets to participants.
This is coming barely three months after the World Malaria Day celebration that is observed April 25th of every year.
According to the Managing Director, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, the one-day event was geared towards improvement of the health status of citizens irrespective of their location.
Ogbuku, represented by Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, Akwa Ibom State Representative on the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the opportunity, promising that the Commission will not relent in ensuring that global health standards are achieved in the Niger Delta region.
He said NDDC is exploring partnership opportunities, support and cooperation from all to ensure its mandate is achieved.
“NDDC is all out to join hands with institutions, and public-spirited individuals to fight this great scourge which has rendered a lot of persons dead especially infant children under the age of 5 and pregnant women.”
Apostle Nkono congratulated the beneficiaries, and revealed that the NDDC hopes to expand the initiative in due course.
A medical consultant from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Dr Idara Isong, took out time to sensitize participants, who later expressed appreciation to the NDDC for the programme.
The theme of this year’s 2024 World Malaria Day is ‘Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World’.
In a related development, the Commission recently launched a portal for registration in a soon-to-commence internship scheme for 10,000 youths in the region.