The Institute of Child Health monthly seminar for the month of May held on 29th May 2025 under the distinguished chairmanship of Prof Andrew Obi, a renowned public health and community physician. The topic of the seminar “Malaria ends with us: my duty, your role, our obligation“ was expertly delivered by Dr Izehiuwa Enato an astute paediatrician and associate Professor of paediatrics at the Edo state University. The seminar attracted dignitaries such as Prof Oviawe, a past director of the Institute of Child Health, Prof Atimati (head, Department of Child Health) and Dr Mbarie, Director Health Services.
Key takeaways from the seminar are as follows:
- Nigeria has the largest burden of malaria globally
- Malaria is potentially dangerous resulting in high morbidity and mortality but is highly
curable and preventable. It is mostly transmitted by the bites of mosquitoes. - There are several tools for the prevention of malaria and all should be used together to
ensure reduction in cases of malaria - The challenges of malaria control in Nigeria are multifaceted ranging from inadequate
funding, absent/unreliable data, lack of ownership of the control program to leadership
issues - Our roles and obligation in the control of malaria include
- We must keep our environment free of breeding sites for mosquitoes (clearing
bushes, appropriate water storage, preventing accumulation of stagnant bodies of
water - Sleep under insecticide treated nets
- Pregnant women must comply with malaria preventive therapy
- Appropriate use of indoor residual spraying ( don’t spray in the air, spray the walls)
- Get tested and confirmed to have malaria before taking antimalarial medications. ALL
FEVER IS NOT MALARIA - Children should receive the malaria vaccine when it becomes available
There was a robust question and answer session during which it was noted that indiscriminate use of antimalarials may lead to resistance thus emphasizing the need for testing before treatment. It was also emphasized that patients must strictly follow the treatment regimen .
