By
Aisha Mohammed
Families in Adamawa State have decried the rising cost of malaria treatment, describing the disease as a major public health and economic burden, calling on government at all levels to intensify efforts to combat its spread.
They made the call in interviews with Radio Nigeria Fombina News in Yola-Adamawa State.
The residents said the cost of medication, hospital visits and preventive measures places significant pressure on household incomes, especially during the rainy season when malaria cases are more prevalent.
They noted that despite efforts to keep their surroundings clean and adopt preventive measures such as the use of insecticide-treated nets, insecticides and mosquito coils, malaria remains a persistent challenge.
Program Manager of the Adamawa State Malaria Elimination Program, Benjamin Nashon, said Nigeria accounts for about 27 per cent of the global malaria burden, with children and pregnant women among the most vulnerable groups.
He explained that malaria is transmitted through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes and can lead to severe illness and death if left untreated.
Nashon disclosed that the Adamawa State Government will begin the distribution of more than 2.5 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets on June 25 as part of efforts to reduce malaria transmission across the state.
The Malaria Elimination Program Manager urged residents to complement government efforts by maintaining clean environments and observing preventive measures.
