By Praise Chinecherem
Mrs. Nonye Soludo, wife of Governor of Anambra State has called for heightened awareness and collective action to combat the prevalence of malaria across the state and beyond.
Speaking at an event to mark World Malaria Day 2025, Mrs Soludo harped on the urgency of addressing the disease, which continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Nigeria and the African region.
Citing the World Health Organization’s report, Mrs. Soludo highlighted the grim reality that malaria claims an estimated one life every minute, with the majority of deaths occurring in Africa.
“Nigeria is among malaria-endemic countries in Africa. Yet the growing threats that come with this dangerous disease are something we can really control through collective actions and sustained efforts,” she said.
As Anambra’s Net Ambassador, Mrs. Soludo emphasized the critical role of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in preventing malaria.
“Sleeping under insecticide-treated nets is still ideal for preventing malaria,” she noted.
She revealed that since 2023, her campaign has successfully distributed over 3.8 million free ITNs to households and public health facilities across Anambra State.
“It’s a modest effort with massive results,” she added, acknowledging the progress made while stressing the need for continued action.
Mrs. Soludo urged both government and community members to intensify efforts to eradicate malaria.
“While the government will continue to improve access to treatment and prevention of the disease, we also have a responsibility to drive community actions and promote common household habits to keep malaria away from our environments,” she said.
“The time to start is now. Every action must be urgent.”
In closing, she referenced the theme of this year’s World Malaria Day: “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” calling it a succinct reminder of the shared responsibility to end the disease.
Her address served as both a rallying cry and a testament to ongoing efforts in Anambra State to reduce malaria’s devastating impact.
