NMEP coordinator joins Esther Adekeye to push malaria prevention drive
Media personality and cross-border business operator, Esther Adekeye, on Saturday hosted the National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Dr. Nnenna Chizaram Ogbulafor, in a World Malaria Day
Media personality and cross-border business operator, Esther Adekeye, on Saturday hosted the National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Dr. Nnenna Chizaram Ogbulafor, in a World Malaria Day TweetChat on X.
The session, themed #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe, brought together stakeholders and members of the public for a focused discussion on the individual and collective actions required to eliminate malaria in Nigeria.
During the one-hour engagement, Dr. Ogbulafor stressed the urgent need for sustained public participation in malaria prevention and treatment, noting that while government interventions provide necessary tools, success largely depends on individual behaviour and awareness.
“Malaria is a life-threatening disease, but it is preventable and treatable when the right steps are taken,” she said.
Addressing concerns over self-medication, she emphasised the importance of proper diagnosis before treatment.
“Testing is essential. It confirms the presence of malaria parasites and ensures patients receive the correct treatment. We recommend Rapid Diagnostic Tests or microscopy before any medication is taken,” she added.
Dr. Ogbulafor further noted that early diagnosis helps prevent severe complications, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children under five and pregnant women.
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She reiterated that Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy remains the recommended treatment once malaria is confirmed.
On prevention, she encouraged the consistent use of insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying, alongside improved environmental sanitation.
“Malaria mosquitoes bite mostly at night. Sleeping under a treated net significantly reduces the risk of infection. Eliminating stagnant water around homes is also critical to stopping mosquito breeding,” she said.
The discussion also highlighted targeted interventions, including Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention for children and Intermittent Preventive Treatment for pregnant women.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Ogbulafor commended the initiative, noting that digital engagement plays a crucial role in advancing public health awareness.
The TweetChat underscored the importance of media, digital platforms, and community participation in driving awareness and coordinated action towards a malaria-free Nigeria.
