This was even as it disclosed that about $495 million has been plunged into the fight against malaria in about 11 states within six years. In a statement made available to Newsmen yesterday in Abuja, by the United States Embassy in Nigeria, the Deputy Chief of Mission, David Young, further disclosed that over 80 million Nigerians are diagnosed of the disease every year. According to him, this year’s event, with a Nigerian slogan of “What is your role?”, is aimed at highlighting the global campaign to “end malaria for good,” by recognizing the individual and collective roles to end the scourge.
“Each year in Nigeria, more than 80 million people fall ill and 300,000 die from malaria. The U.S. government, through the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is committed to raising awareness about the proper prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
“Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for rapid and effective disease management and surveillance. Malaria diagnosis is vital as misdiagnosis allows disease progression from uncomplicated to severe forms, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality.
“In 2015, Nigeria adopted the T3: “test, treat and track” strategy for malaria case management. “Ending malaria will increase school attendance, boost worker productivity and significantly lower out-of-pocket cost for treatment.
This is why malaria prevention and control remain a major U.S. foreign assistance objective.” “The national guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of malaria recommends prompt diagnosis either by microscopy or malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (mRDT) before treatment, using first-line Artemisinin Based Combination Therapy (ACT) is administered.
“It improves overall management of patients with febrile illnesses, and helps reduce the emergence and spread of drug resistance to anti-malarial medications,” he said. Young further noted that to curb the menace:”The U.S. Government supports local partners to design and implement programs to improve public and private sector adherence to diagnosis and treatment guidelines.
“With an investment of over $420 million in Nigeria since 2010 and $75 million in 2016 alone, PMI delivered nearly 7.5 million RDTs and 12 million ACT treatment doses in support to 3,000 health facilities across 11 states in Nigeria,” he added.
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