Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and its partners have launched a malaria prevention programme targeting over 480,770 children in the council.
The initiative, known as the 2024 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) Cycle 4, was kicked-off at the Karu chief’s palace by the council chairman, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu.
Maikalangu stressed the importance of safeguarding children, particularly those aged zero to five years from malaria during the rainy season.
“The number of people who died due to malaria is enormous, so we need to prevent it before it is too late. I want to encourage our mothers to take advantage of these malaria drugs and ensure that our children below five years get them to be free from malaria.
“Let me warn all of us not to sell the malaria drugs that will be given to you for your children. You should give your children the full dose of the drugs for its effectiveness,” he said.
The chairman who was represented by the council secretary, Ja’afaru Gwagwa, urged traditional, religious, women and youth leaders, among other community stakeholders, to join hands in maintaining healthy environments by keeping their surroundings clean and avoiding blockage of drainages.
He highlighted the significant number of deaths among young children and pregnant women due to malaria, stressing the need for preventive measures.
The council chairman further urged parents to ensure their children receive the full dosage of malaria drugs provided through the program.
He also called on community leaders to promote cleanliness and the use of treated mosquito nets to prevent malaria.
Maikalangu reaffirmed AMAC’s commitment to protecting residents and thanked health partners for their contributions to the program.
Dr Ruqayya Wamakko of the FCT Healthcare Board commended AMAC for its community engagement efforts and emphasised the ongoing threat of malaria to women and children.
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