Taraba Flags Off Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention Campaign
By Our Correspondent
The Taraba State ministry of health in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health, Catholic Relief Services and malaria partners has officially flagged off the 2024 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to combating malaria in the state, the ceremony took place at the conference hall of Star Exclusive in Jalingo, the state capital.
In his keynote address, standing in double capacity, the Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas represented by the Commissioner of Health, Bodiya Boma Gbenshiya emphasized the importance of the SMC campaign in reducing malaria-related morbidity and mortality, particularly among children under five and pregnant women.
The Commissioner said, as a government, they are dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being their of Tarabans, adding that, the campaign is a crucial step towards achieving the goal.
Hon Boma further stated that, the 2024 SMC campaign, implemented in partnership with health organizations, targets children under the age of 5 years and pregnant women across some of the local government areas, adding that, trained community health workers will administer the preventative antimalarial medication door-to-door.
Also speaking, the State Technical Officer for management science for health, Dr Kassim Musa Khalid, highlighted the state government’s efforts and the ministry to strengthen the health sector and tackle malaria.
He said, they have made significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and personnel, and that the campaign is a testament to their commitment to delivering quality healthcare services to the people of the state.
In a goodwill message, the representative of UNICEF, the Chairman of Gassol Local Government Area and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, partners and stakeholders, all commended the Taraba State Government for prioritizing malaria control.
While acknowledging potential challenges, the speakers assured that the state government is committed to overcoming them, ensuring the campaign’s success and sustainability.
As the campaign begins, the Taraba State Government urges all citizens to support and participate in the SMC campaign, working together towards a malaria-free Taraba State.
