By Kenneth Obieh
Delta State Government has called for partnership from all relevant stakeholders to implement zero malaria in Delta as they prepare for world malaria day.
The Manager, State Malaria Elimination Program, Dr Julia Anieh, made the call during a meeting with the Zonal Chairman of ACOMIN, Pastor Greg Sifo and other members of the State Advocacy Team (SAT) implementing the COVID-19 Response Mechanism and Resilient and Sustainable System for Health Strengthening System and Community Strengthening System.
She noted that various strategies had been deplored by the state government to eradicate malaria but concentration on the rural areas where he said malaria cases not properly managed would be highly considered.
Anieh called on all relevant stakeholders in the health sectors and non-governmental agency (NGO) to join the government towards implementing zero malaria in Delta State to reduce mortality rate.
While calling on stakeholders to support the forthcoming World Malaria Day celebration, she revealed that the state government could not work alone without the support of others towards creating a healthy environment, which she said could improve longevity among the people.
Earlier, the leader of the SAT, Pastor Greg Sifo, thanked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the passion he had shown in the health sector, saying that it had promoted a healthy environment across the state.
Sifo disclosed that the building of medical infrastructures and employment of health personnel had also increased to a reasonable extent for the greater benefits of Deltans.
He assured the state government of their continuous support in making the malaria day a memorable one and assist in implementing zero malaria in Delta State.
An official, Mr Christopher Ogberetitinor said that the rural dwellers and their environment should be considered in totally eradicating malaria, identifying them as worst affected.
The State Program Officer, Miss Juliet Obiajulu, who is always in touch with the Community Based Officer (CBO) also said she would sustain the sensitization in the grassroots to bring to the people a healthy environment that could engender zero malaria in the state