Over 800,000 Ekiti Residents Receive Malaria Treatment in 18 Months, Says Health Commissioner
In a determined effort to combat one of Nigeria’s deadliest diseases, the Ekiti State Government has provided malaria treatment to more than 800,000 residents over the past 18 months. This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, during a public health briefing in Ado-Ekiti on Friday.
According to Dr. Filani, the state’s malaria response strategy has focused on improving access to diagnosis and free treatment across public health facilities, especially in rural communities where healthcare access is often limited.
“Malaria remains a significant threat to public health, but through coordinated efforts, we’ve been able to reach hundreds of thousands with timely treatment and preventive care,” he said.
The commissioner highlighted that the state has also distributed over 2 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets in collaboration with development partners, as part of a comprehensive malaria control campaign.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Florence Aluko, a mother of three from Ijero-Ekiti, shared her experience: “The free treatment at our local clinic saved my youngest child. We couldn’t have afforded the drugs otherwise.”
Dr. Filani reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing malaria-related deaths and improving health outcomes through sustained awareness, testing, and treatment. He also emphasized the importance of community participation in the fight against malaria, urging residents to use treated nets and seek immediate care when symptoms arise.
As malaria continues to claim lives across sub-Saharan Africa, Ekiti’s proactive approach could serve as a model for other states aiming to safeguard vulnerable populations from preventable diseases.
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