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700, 000 persons diagnosed with malaria annually in Lagos – Prof Abayomi
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By Chioma Obinna
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi on Sunday disclosed that 700, 000 persons are diagnosed with malaria annually in Lagos despite the low burden of the disease in the state.
Abayomi in a statement to mark this year’s World Malaria Day, said with the diseases accounting for 70 per cent of outpatient in public health facilities alone, it was germane for Lagosians to stand up and take action against malaria.
The Commissioner further disclosed in 2020, 657,154 patients with malaria were seen in both private and public health facilities in the state.
Meanwhile, the National Malaria Indicator Survey conducted in 2015, Lagos State Malaria Indicator Survey conducted in 2017 and National Demographic and Health Survey all revealed that the prevalence of malaria is low in Lagos State.
The Commissioner noted that although malaria prevalence is low in Lagos State, the burden is still high as over 700,000 persons are diagnosed with the disease annually.
He explained that malaria is prevalent in vulnerable groups, children under 5 years and pregnant women.
He identified the topography and ecological features of Lagos State; the vast coastal terrain, rapid urbanization and poor drainages as the major predisposing factors that contribute to the transmission of malaria all year round.
MINISTRY of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Malama has said that the Government is working in collaboration with its partners in implementing and scaling up malaria interventions at all levels with the aim of placing the country on an elimination trajectory.
Dr Malama said the Ministry of Health has enhanced serious collaboration with its partners to ensure that malaria cases were quickly eliminated in all parts of the country.
He said that over the years, great efforts were made by the health sector and a good number of committed partners to increase coverage of key malaria interventions throughout the country.