The government of Enugu State has requested that citizens report any health care center that charges for malaria medications and tests over the coming two years.
On Wednesday, during the launch of the State Malaria Eradication Program, which is backed by the Islamic Development Bank Lives and Livelihood Fund initiative, Commissioner for Health, Professor Ikechukwu Obi, issued instructions regarding this new undertaking.
Professor Obi disclosed that the administration had implemented a whistleblower program aimed at maintaining the accessibility of malaria treatments without cost. He emphasized, “Should anyone attempt to charge for antimalarial medications, kindly inform the whistleblower initiative of Enugu State via the Department of Health, and appropriate measures will be taken.”
The government has established a whistleblower program, and we’ve informed residents of Enugu State that antimalarial medications at medical centers should be provided without charge. Should anyone be asked to pay for these medicines over the coming two years, kindly contact the whistleblower program under the supervision of the Ministry of Health either via telephone or email. We assure you that action will be taken promptly.
We want to stress this point strongly since the governor clearly stated that healthcare centers belong to the public and their services are for the people as well,” the commissioner explained. “Hence, they should be reported if anyone violates the established policies.
Prof Obi stated that the government’s efforts were to provide free malaria treatment and testing, to ensure healthcare services reach the people.
The event organized by the state Ministry of Health took place at the Uwani General Hospital within the Enugu South Local Government Area. It involved cooperation between the Ministry of Health, the National Malaria Elimination Programme, and the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme.
Dr. Nnenna Ogbulafor, who serves as the National Coordinator for NMEP and National Program Manager at IMPACT, highlighted that Enugu State carries some of the heaviest burdens of malaria in Nigeria, reporting a prevalence rate of 24 percent.
She motivated the inhabitants to utilize the assistance program so as to lessen the load to a manageable degree.
In Nigeria, based on the 2021 national malaria indicator survey, our data shows that the prevalence of malaria remains at 21 percent, which is still quite high.
As stated in the same report, Enugu State accounts for 24 percent of the cases, indicating a persistently elevated level.
“It is crucial to remember that 2014 and 2015 were the years when the malaria program received its last support in Enugu State,” stated Ogbulafor.
She expressed gratitude towards the Federal Ministry of Health, the Islamic Development Bank, and the state Ministry of Health for their contributions.
“We are extremely pleased because this indicates that malaria has risen to the top priority again. At present, it’s crucial for the residents of Enugu State to seize this chance to reduce the impact of the disease,” Ogbulafor stated.
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