Rotary Launches Bold Drive to Eradicate Malaria in Kebbi State
By Abdullahi Tukur, Kebbi
In a determined move to eliminate malaria in Kebbi State, the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge Nigeria has pledged to “reinvest, reimagine, and reignite” efforts to combat the disease.
Dr. Dele Balogun, the country lead for the initiative, made this known while addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi during activities marking World Malaria Day, themed “Malaria Ends With Us.”
Highlighting the global fight against malaria, Dr. Balogun noted that 45 countries have successfully been declared malaria-free, adding that Kebbi State could also achieve this milestone with collective commitment.
Citing global data, he revealed that in 2023 alone, there were 263 million new malaria cases, resulting in approximately 597,000 deaths, with Africa accounting for a staggering 95 percent of the cases.
“Every minute, a life is lost to malaria,” he stressed, underlining the urgency of tackling the disease head-on.
Dr. Balogun emphasised that malaria remains a significant public health challenge in low-income regions, particularly in Nigeria.
However, he expressed optimism that with the steadfast commitment of local stakeholders, the disease can be eradicated without depending solely on foreign interventions.
The Rotary Organisation, he disclosed, has already commenced work across six local government areas in Kebbi State—Argungu, Arewa, Aleiro, Bagudo, Shanga, and Fakai—as a first step towards extending its efforts statewide.
Dr. Balogun called on community leaders, health workers, and residents to join hands in the fight, reinforcing the message that “Malaria Ends With Us.”
