Lagos Country Club fights malaria with swimming
Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, has expressed concerns about the number of people affected by malaria in the country annually, urging the citizens to take adequate measures to prevent the scourge.
Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, has expressed concerns about the number of people affected by malaria in the country annually, urging the citizens to take adequate measures to prevent the scourge.
The club made the call last weekend when it marked the 2026 World Malaria Day with a blend of sport and health advocacy, as the club hosted its annual “Swim Against Malaria” competition aimed at raising awareness on the prevention and control of the disease.
The event, held at the club’s Swimming Section located at 2 Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA Ikeja, drew participation from both children and adults who competed in various swimming categories while also receiving vital health education on malaria.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Swimming Section, Ayodeji Osikoya, said the initiative was conceived as a response to the widespread impact of malaria across all age groups. According to him, the competition, which has become an annual tradition, is designed to sensitize members of the club and the broader community about the dangers of the disease and the importance of preventive measures.
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“Malaria affects millions of people every year, both children and adults. This programme was created to ensure people are informed and prepared to reduce its impact. Over the years, it has grown significantly, and we will continue to sustain it,” he said.
Osikoya noted that the event goes beyond sports, incorporating health talks from medical professionals and support from sponsors who contribute to awareness efforts. He added that free malaria medications and mosquito nets are often distributed during the programme to help reduce the prevalence of the disease.
He also emphasized the role of competition in personal development, encouraging participants to remain resilient. “Competition is part of life. Not winning does not mean failure. It is an opportunity to train harder and come back stronger. At the same time, we are promoting swimming as a life skill, especially for those who have a fear of water,” he added.
Chairman of the Swim Against Malaria Committee, Duke Odinda, described the event as a collaborative effort focused on delivering a successful and impactful programme each year. He acknowledged that while organizing such an event comes with challenges, the experience gained over time has helped improve its quality and reach.
“There are always challenges, but we build on past experiences to make each edition better. The success of this initiative reflects positively on the club and reinforces our commitment to community health,” Odinda said.
He further highlighted the importance of aligning the event with World Malaria Day, noting that the awareness campaign focuses on practical preventive measures. These include the consistent use of mosquito nets, elimination of stagnant water around homes, and maintaining a clean environment to curb mosquito breeding.
Delivering a health lecture at the event, Dr. Omowunmi Bakare, a Consultant Public Health Physician, stressed the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment of malaria. She cautioned against self-medication without testing and urged individuals to seek proper medical evaluation before taking antimalarial drugs.
“Malaria can be life-threatening if not properly managed. People should test before treating and ensure they follow prescribed medication. Prevention remains key, avoid mosquito bites by using nets and keeping your environment clean,” she advised.
