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- begins community awareness campaign in Lagos, Abuja
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Nollywood star, Prince Jide Kosoko, has entered into a partnership with the Federal Government through the Advocacy, Social and Communication Mobilization (ASCM) Unit of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) and the Recon Health Media, under the IMPACT Project to elevate malaria discourse to the front burner of national conversation.
Prince Kosoko who is also the Oloja-elect of Lagos, told journalists at a recent meeting with the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, in Abuja, that the partnership was borne out of the desire to amplify and strengthen the fight against malaria in Nigeria especially in most endemic states.
He told the Minister that he has been touring schools and health facilities in Lagos and Abuja both to sensitize and also ask relevant questions about the current malaria burden Nigerians are facing.
He, however, informed the Minister that his involvement in the malaria campaign was in demonstration of his support for the Federal Government’s malaria elimination agenda; and to mobilize citizens in Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory, to adopt proven malaria prevention practices, and also seek early diagnosis and treatment.
He used the opportunity to inquire from the Minister, the state of malaria burden in Nigeria, and efforts being made to tackle the identified challenges and gaps.
In his remarks, the Minister appreciated this his interest and the roles he has been playing particularly in community enlightenment and mobilization against malaria across Lagos and other States.
He promised to leverage his influence and all the respected cultural icons and media platforms to amplify public awareness on malaria prevention and treatment.
The Minister also acknowledged the efforts of the NMEP over the years which have culminated in significant reduction in malaria prevalence in Nigeria.
He informed the Nollywood star that the administration of malaria vaccine is currently ongoing across some states, in addition to routine chemoprevention exercises being done to protect children under five years against malaria particularly as rainy season peaks.
The Minister suggested that, as Nigeria approaches World Malaria Day on April 25, the initiative should aim to mobilize national attention, strengthen public awareness, and encourage greater community participation in malaria prevention and treatment efforts.
