As the world marks this year’s Malaria Day, the Women and Development Movement (WADEM), has called for more public engagement to eradicate malaria in the society, reaffirming its commitment to continue sensitising the people against malaria.
This is as WADEM joins other world advocates on Friday in commemoration of this year’s World Malaria Day, observed globally every April 25.
The group organised a stakeholder meeting where health talks, free medical tests, and the distribution of antimalarial drugs were part of the activities to support efforts by both government and non-governmental organizations aimed at combating the high malaria burden in sub-Saharan Africa.
A medical practitioner from WADEM, Mrs Owadara explained that this year’s World Malaria Day theme, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” closely aligns with the group’s vision of making a tangible impact in the global fight against the disease.
She advised the general public against assumptions of any health symptoms and self meditation, noting that examination of individuals’ health at the hospital is the best way.
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Owadara made it clear that, there is no one without malaria, the important thing is to take care of ourselves by visiting the hospital, imploring residents to visit the hospital for accurate diagnosis of treatment rather than relying on herbal concoction or self medication.
She also encouraged people to maintain a clean environment to prevent mosquito breeding, and eat balanced diets.
“As we all know today is world malaria day, which means, a disease that is caused by the biting of mosques. We shouldn’t allow drainage or storing of water around our vicinity because that is part of what gives us malaria, especially when female mosquitoes lay eggs in it.
“Malaria is widespread globally, the use of mosquito nets is highly advisable which is part of what prevents us from having malaria.
“Whenever we get to the hospital we should cooperate with the nurses to examine us.
“It is advisable to eat fruits, especially at dinner. We shouldn’t eat the same classes for food to complete three square meals. Importantly we should cultivate the habit of eating balanced diets,” Owadara concluded.
In their separate remarks, representatives of the Osun State University medical students, Adegbola Esther Jumoke among other stakeholders from Market women, hairdressers, tricycle and okada riders also acknowledged the efforts of WADEM in sensitising the public about the danger of malaria. They thanked the organisers for the free medical tests and drugs.
A short drama was organised by the media students to enlighten and educate the public about the hazards of self medication.
OsunReporters News gathered that malaria continues to be a leading cause of death among pregnant women and children.
