The Federal Capital Territory Administration ( FCTA) has launched 2023 distribution of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) drugs, said to be part of measures towards eradicating the menace in the territory.
Officials of FCTA Public Health Department, representative of Malaria Consortium and other stakeholders, said Malaria parasite has remained endemic in many rural areas of FCT.
Director of Public Health, Dr. Saddiq Abdulrahman, spoke during FCT Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention 2023 Campaign Media Parley and AMAC Launch, said 2023 SMC drug distribution was designed to ensure comprehensive coverage of eligible children, especially in the communities.
The director, represented by Hajia Hauwa Ibrahim, head of Health Promotion, noted 2023 campaign have been well thought out to tackle identified shortcomings of last years.
According to him, “SMC commenced in the FCT in 2022, and a low coverage of 66 % of eligible children was recorded, against the WHO recommendation of at least 80%.
“This was largely due to the limited reach( denial of access of the SMC team to some quarters and places; like barracks, gated estates, markets, etc) and non-compliance of some parents”.
Also Speaking, Dr. Modupe Adeyinka, Director of Primary Healthcare in Abuja Municipal Area Council ( AMAC) who officially flagged off the Campaign , said the team have been well trained to reach even the hard to reach areas.
Adeyinka also urged all stakeholders to help mobilise support for the acceptance of the anti malaria drugs at rural communities.
She said: “we solicit the support of the media, community, religious leaders and other stakeholders to support awareness creation about SMC in communities, churches and Mosque.
“we also call for social mobilization to increasing acceptance of the anti malaria drugs”.
Mary Caleb one of the Senior Health Education Officers, added that the Media was very critical in the fight against Malaria, following the important role it plays in information dissemination.
Caleb implored media practitioners to partner with the Public Health Department and other stakeholders in eradicating the menace.
