The Rivers State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with ACOMIN, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (Rivers State), and the Erens Ekprikpo Health Foundation, successfully concluded a malaria awareness campaign, June 14th, 2024, in Ikuru Town, Andoni LGA.

Focus on Free Services and Prevention:

• The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the availability of free malaria services in all state-owned hospitals across Rivers State.
• We informed residents about free malaria testing and treatment at primary healthcare centers thanks to the Rivers State Government's partnership with the Roll back Malaria initiative.
• A health talk emphasized the importance of maintaining a clean environment to prevent mosquito breeding.
• Highlighting the vulnerability of children under 5 and pregnant women to malaria, we highlighted the availability of free intermittent preventive therapy (IPT) for pregnant women.

Free Testing, Treatment, and Follow-Up:
In line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for malaria eradication, the Rollback Malaria partnership, and the Rivers State Government's commitment to ending malaria, the campaign offered:

• Free malaria testing and treatment to Ikuru Town residents.
• Free antimalarial drugs were administered.
• Individuals who tested positive using RDT Kits were connected to the community's primary healthcare center for follow-up care.

Over 600 People Benefitted:
The outreach program positively impacted over 600 residents, with a significant number of positive cases identified in children and pregnant women. These individuals were directed to the primary healthcare center for further treatment.

Gratitude to Our Leaders and Partners:
We extend our sincere gratitude to His Excellency, Sir, Siminalaye Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State for his leadership, and to the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu (DSSRS) the tireless champion for ending malaria in our state. Our appreciation also goes to the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ndidi Chikanele Utchay.

Finally, we thank the Rollback Malaria partnership and the Director of Special Programs Rivers State Ministry of Health Dr. Mina Jaja for their continued support and allowing the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (Rivers State) and the Erens Ekprikpo Health Foundation to implement this project.

Campaign Continues Across Andoni LGA:
This awareness campaign marks the beginning of a series of programs planned for all communities within Andoni LGA, and other LGA's across Rivers State.

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