Association of Public Health Physicians Edo State Branch commemorated World Malaria Day with several activities spanning from Sunday April 24th – Monday April 25th 2022.
These activities included
1. A radio awareness program on prevention and control of malaria in children by Dr. Eseigbe, the Deputy Director, Disease Control and Immunization, EDSPHCDA on speed FM 96.9 at 3pm on Sunday April 24th 2022,
2. A radio awareness program on reducing the malaria burden in Nigeria by Dr. Nwaogwugwu, Secretary APHPN Edo State Branch on Silverbird Rhythm fm at 11am on Monday 25th April 2022
3. A radio awareness program on innovative ways to reduce malaria disease burden and save lives at 6pm on KUFM on Monday April 25th 2022
4. A FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH that was carried out at Uselu market on Monday April 25th 2022.
This free medical outreach was done in collaboration with the Medical Women Association of Nigeria Edo State Chapter, Edo State Primary Health Care Agency, Rhemalite Springs Medical Center and other collaborators.
The activities carried out during the free medical outreach included; free malaria screening using rapid diagnostic test kit, free consultation, free BP check, free malaria drugs for children and adults and free insecticide treated nets for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Indeed it was an overall success
5. A virtual scientific webinar organized by the Scientific Committee of APHPN Edo State Branch on the theme Harness Innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives was hosted at 5pm April 25th, 2022 on Google Meet
The scientific webinar was moderated by Dr. Alenoghena and the welcome address was given by the Chairman, APHPN Edo State Branch, Dr. Andrew I. Obi. The Chairman welcomed everyone to the Maiden Edition of the Association Scientific webinar session.
In his address, Dr Obi made mention of the recent Global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030 adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 2015, which provides a comprehensive framework to guide countries in their efforts to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination.
The strategy sets the target of reducing global malaria incidence and mortality rates by at least 90% by 2030. The chairman then informed all participants present that The APHPN Edo State branch is building a strong Alliance and Partnership with MWAN-Edo State, Edo State Ministry of Health, The World Health Organization and Partners to help in fostering concerted action needed to set Edo State back on a trajectory toward achieving the above2030 targets of the WHO global malaria strategy.
Next speaker was the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Uwa who told all present the current strides Edo State is making in reducing the burden of malaria. He stated that the State was using the One health approach by focusing on animal health, the environment and human health as measures to reduce malaria burden in Edo State.
The Guest Speaker, Prof. Abah spoke on the topic Innovation to Eliminate Malaria in the era of Climate Change. He stated that although malaria, has been proved scientifically to be sensitive to climate, environment and socio-economic conditions, the precise relationship with these drivers is still uncertain.
The ability to represent these relationships in dynamic disease models, would allow such models to contribute to health mitigation and adaptation planning. Prof. Abah mentioned that the following important new tools in the fight against malaria were critical:
- New and more effective medicines
- Innovative vector control tools
- Improved diagnostics
He concluded by saying that although COVID-19 has harmed malaria programmes and squeezed budgets, new technologies mean that 2022 is also a year of opportunity—if the opportunity is taken. To “harness innovation”, as WHO puts it, will require substantial funding support both domestically and from donors.
It will also require meaningful policy commitments from countries to reaffirm the idea of ceasing mortality and morbidity due to malaria. The maiden edition of the scientific webinar ended at 6:30pm with about 30 participants from within and outside Edo State in attendance
We want to thank the Medical Women Association of Nigeria Edo State Chapter, the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Rhemalite Springs Medical Center, the Egor LG PHC Department, all other organisations and all our other supporters and collaborators for their immense support
God bless APHPN Edo State
God bless the people of Edo State
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed
Dr. J. C. Nwaogwugwu
Secretary, APHPN Edo State Branch
Dr. A. I. Obi
Chairman, APHPN Edo State Branch
