The Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) has urged the Federal Government to reconstruct drainage systems to reduce the spread of malaria infections in the country.
The National President, PCAN, Mr Olakunle Williams, made this known during the commemoration of the 2022 World Malaria Day in Lagos on Monday.
The theme of the program is “Harness innovation to reduce the Malaria disease burden and save lives”.
World Malaria Day is observed internationally on the 25th of April of every year to recognize global efforts in controlling malaria. World Malaria Day was established in May 2007 by the 60th Session of the World Health Assembly.
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Williams explained that the reconstruction of the drainage system across the country would allow for free flow of waste water in their drainages.
The president said the issue had been a major challenge throughout the federation as their drainages had served as breeding points for mosquitoes.
‘The topography and ecological features of Lagos State; the vast coastal terrain, rapid urbanisation and poor drainage were major predisposing factors that contributed to the transmission of malaria all year round. ‘
‘If Lagos alone could have reported these outrageous numbers of Malaria cases, what would have become of other States with less or nothing to boast of in terms of capital will to fight the menace of Malaria? ‘
‘Some parts of Africa have been certified free of Malaria. Algeria as a country in Africa has been certified malaria free. ‘
‘While Ghana, Namibia and South Africa achieved the 2020 milestones of reducing malaria incidence and deaths by 40 per cent, compared to 2015. ‘
‘Unfortunately, Nigeria is one of the malaria-endemic countries in the WHO African Region that did not achieve these milestones,” he said.
According to him, every year that malaria spreads, health and developments bear the brunt. On the average, malaria is responsible for an annual reduction of 1.3 percent of Africa’s economic growth.
Williams said this war against Malaria should not be handled with levity as it should be a national concern.
The president noted that no home was safe from Malaria cases in the country, adding that the children who were vulnerable were being buried in their presence as a result of Malaria.
He said adults will not be left out as well while these avoidable deaths had been caused by their negligence as individuals , non-governmental organizations, corporate bodies, governmental agencies and governments at all levels.
Williams said they need to use this year’s commemoration of the World Malaria Day to harness innovation in the right directions to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives.
PECAN, a professional body saddled with the responsibility to ensure that the environment in our homes, workplaces, schools, shopping and recreational centres, among others, are safe and hygienic for healthy living.