Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, launched a free malaria testing and treatment program, along with the distribution of malaria medications, to combat the disease in the state.
The governor was accompanied by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa; the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani Okpebholo; Secretary to the Edo State Government, Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff, Gani Audu; along with permanent secretaries, health officials, and partners in the program.
Governor Okpebholo described malaria as a significant health challenge and emphasized his administration’s commitment to eliminating the disease in Edo State. He stated, “Malaria is a major health challenge, but we are determined to eliminate it in Edo State, just as Algeria, Ivory Coast, and Mauritius have done. The support from the Islamic Development Bank will aid us in this mission, in alliance with my administration’s commitment to providing affordable healthcare services.”
Over the next two years, the governor aims for 80 percent of pregnant women in the state to receive malaria prevention kits and treatment, with a goal of benefiting 95 percent of the population. Additionally, he aims to reduce infant deaths caused by malaria to below 10 percent.
To facilitate this initiative, malaria testing and treatment will be provided free of charge in all government hospitals across the state. “While we have implemented free testing and treatment, we need everyone’s support. Raising awareness is crucial, and we will run campaigns to ensure the public is informed about these services. Anyone caught charging for these free services will face consequences,” he warned.
Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to improving healthcare and thanked the Islamic Development Bank for its funding and support, as well as the Federal Ministry of Health for its guidance. “With our combined efforts, we will achieve a malaria-free Edo State,” he declared.
Edesili Anani-Okpebholo, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, praised the Okpebholo-led administration for its proactive approach to ensuring quality healthcare for the people. She noted that while malaria may seem simple, it is a deadly disease, with statistics indicating that 30 percent of the state’s citizens are exposed to it. “We have urged the people of Edo to embrace this initiative, as malaria disproportionately affects women and children. This is a commendable initiative,” she stated.
Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, the Commissioner for Health, highlighted that the program focuses on free malaria testing and treatment, sponsored by the Islamic Development Bank. He emphasized that all government hospitals in Edo State will provide free testing and treatment for malaria over the next two years, warning that no health worker should charge for these services.
Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, the Director General of the Edo State Health Insurance Commission, stated that the commission is collaborating with the program to ensure every Edo citizen has affordable and free access to malaria medication. She reiterated the urgency of addressing malaria as a pandemic and commended the governor for his administration’s commitment to eliminating the disease from the state.
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