WORLD MOSQUITO DAY: ACCELERATING THE FIGHT AGAINST MALARIA FOR AN EQUITABLE WORLD

21/08/24

PRESS RELEASE

DANIELS OG

WORLD MOSQUITO DAY

President Pest Control Association Of Nigeria (PECAN) PCO Olakunle Williams  has called for renewed Commitment in the fight Against Malaria

Speaking in Commemoration of World Mosquito Day 2024,Olakunle said the

journey ahead may be challenging, but with determination, collaboration, and innovation, we can achieve a malaria-free Nigeria and contribute to a healthier, more equitable world.

He said World Mosquito Day  is a poignant reminder of the ongoing global battle against malaria, a preventable and treatable disease that continues to claim lives, particularly in Africa says the President Of Pest Control Association Of Nigeria.PCO Olakunle Williams

The theme for this year’s World Mosquito Day, “Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for an Equitable World,” speaks to the urgent need for concerted efforts to eliminate malaria and address the disparities it perpetuates in our society.

The World Mosquito Day was introduced as a mark of honour to the 1897 scientific discovery of a British Doctor by the name Sir Ronald Ross who succeeded in revealing to the whole world that the female Anopheles mosquito was the cause of Malaria.
His discovery laid the foundations for scientists across the world to better understand the deadly role of mosquitoes in disease transmission and come up with effective innovative interventions. This day has been set aside worldwide to create awareness on the humans deaths caused by Mosquitoes throughout the whole world and to see how these Global Deaths can be prevented.

MALARIA IN NIGERIA: A Continuing Challenge

Nigeria bears a disproportionate burden of malaria, accounting for nearly a quarter of all malaria cases and deaths worldwide. This is a sobering statistic that demands immediate and sustained action. Despite significant progress in the past decade, malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in our country, affecting millions of lives and imposing a heavy burden on our healthcare system.

THE ROLE OF PEST CONTROL IN MALARIA ERADICATION

As the National President of the Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN), I want to emphasize the critical role that pest control plays in the fight against malaria. Effective mosquito control is a cornerstone of malaria prevention. Our association, comprising professionals dedicated to pest management, is committed to driving innovation, enforcing best practices, and ensuring that mosquito control interventions are both effective and environmentally sustainable.

ACCELERATING THE FIGHT: PECAN’s Commitment

This year’s theme challenges us to accelerate our efforts. We must leverage technology, enhance collaboration, and strengthen community engagement to achieve our goal of malaria eradication. PECAN is committed to:

1. PROMOTING INTEGRATED VECTOR MANAGEMENT (IVM): By integrating multiple strategies—such as larviciding, indoor residual spraying (IRS) , and the use of insecticide-treated nets—we can reduce mosquito populations more effectively.
2. TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING: We will continue to invest in the training of pest control professionals across the country, ensuring they are equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to combat malaria.
3. ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS: Raising awareness about the importance of mosquito control and the dangers of malaria is crucial. We will intensify our efforts to educate the public and policymakers about the benefits of sustained mosquito control programmes.
4. COLLABORATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS: PECAN will strengthen partnerships with government agencies, international organizations, and the private sector to enhance the reach and impact of malaria control interventions.
5. ADVISING GOVERNMENTS TO MAKE SUSTAINABLE POLICIES: PECAN will continue to engage governments at all levels in making policies that will eliminate mosquitoes in Nigeria. Open dumping of refuse needs to be frowned at by the governments, littering of our drainages with waste plastic bottles, cans and the likes should be campaigned against.

Reconstruction of Modern Drainage System, larval Source Management, clearing of the existing Drainages to allow for free flow of waste water should be part of the priorities of the governments at all levels.

TOWARDS AN EQUITABLE WORLD
The fight against malaria is also a fight for equity.

Malaria disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations—pregnant women, children under five, and those living in rural areas. By accelerating the fight against malaria, we are not only saving lives but also contributing to the creation of a more equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life.

For More Information Or Advert Placement Please dial+234 8025681978