Enugu Government Warns Against Self-Medication for Malaria
The Enugu State Government has cautioned Nigerians against self-medication for malaria, emphasizing that not all fevers are caused by the disease. Dr. Uchechukwu Okenwa, Director of Public Health and Disease Control, made this warning during the inauguration of the Advocacy Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) Core-Group for Malaria Elimination Programme (IMPACT) in Enugu.
Read Also:
Okenwa noted that many Nigerians assume that every fever is malaria and take anti-malaria drugs without testing, which can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. He stressed that testing is crucial to determine if a fever is caused by malaria or another condition.
The Enugu State Government has taken steps to eradicate malaria, including paying counterpart funds for the malaria program and stocking up on malaria drugs and mosquito nets for distribution to residents.
The ACSM members were tasked with promoting positive behavior towards malaria prevention and control, advocacy, communication, and social mobilization to eliminate malaria in the state.
A Malaria Indication Survey (MIS) in Enugu revealed that 25% of residents did not have access to mosquito nets, while others did not use them due to various reasons such as hot weather, absence of mosquitoes at night, or dirty/old nets.
The Enugu State Malaria Programme Manager, Dr. Ifeoma Otiji, reiterated the state’s commitment to improving and increasing malaria advocacy and communication, especially in rural areas. The meeting marked the beginning of a concerted effort to bridge the gap between communities and malaria services.
