Anambra poised to intensify fight against malaria
Anambra Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke and the leaders of Africa Development Bank Group, World Health Organization, federal ministries of finance and health in the fight against malaria during the visit.
By Sunny A. David, Awka
Anambra State Government is to partner Africa Development Bank Group, World Health Organization, Federal Ministry of Finance and Federal Ministry Health in the fight against malaria.
Governor Willie Obiano disclosed this when he received the joint team in audience at the Government House, Awka.
Speaking through the Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke, Governor Obiano expressed willingness to partner relevant bodies and groups to fight the malaria scourge to stand still.
He said that not minding the amount of resources and interventions devoted to fight malaria, the State government will continue to do more interventions with the limited resources at its disposal.
While assuring of State government’s support to make the project a reality, Governor Obiano requested for more interventions to ensure reduction of malaria to the barest minimum.
The National Coordinator, National Malaria Elimination Program, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Audu Bala Mohammed who led the delegation said that they have been in different Ministries and areas to ascertain what the State government is doing to improve the health sector, and came back satisfied, courtesy of the Governor’s exemplary leadership.
Dr. Mohammed emphasized that malaria is a public health concern, pointing out that once the war against malaria is won, it will bring about economic improvement as well as general wellbeing of the people, expressing optimism of kick-starting their project without hitches.
For the Team Leader of the Africa Development Bank, Dr. Gregory Yusuf, the project is worth fifty million dollar with a lifespan of five years, stating that they are in the State to do a feasibilty study, after which they will come up with a document for the project which is co-financed by the world bank.
While asking the Governor to use his good office to facilitate the project, Dr. Yusuf said that part of what they intend to achieve is promote behavioural change, and expressed optimism that they will commence disbursement by next year February.
Members of the State Malaria Elimination program were also part of the visit.