FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole has likened malaria scourge to the civil war in terms of its devastating impact in the country.
The commissioner disclosed this at the flag-off of the workshop on Malaria Elimination Project in Edo State on Tuesday in Benin City.
According to Oshiomhole, in the 36 states of the federation, Edo has one of the highest rate of malaria spread because of the terrain.
He stated that one of the deadliest diseases affecting the society is malaria, stressing the need for collective efforts to eradicate it.
Speaking, Coordinator of the event and Founder of Africa Youth Growth Foundation, AYGF, Dr Arome Salifu said the project will accommodate all facets with pregnant women and underaged children being special targets.
He explained that malaria claims over 200,000 persons annually despite being a preventable and treatable disease, and had continued to devastate homes in Nigeria.
Dr Salifu said the workshop marks a critical foundation for efficient and coordinated service delivery to beneficiaries from the 18 local government areas.
Also speaking, Edo State Coordinator, World Health Organisation, WHO, Dr Nora Eyo said the expectation from all stakeholders is to go back and play their respective roles.
