The Lagos State Government has marked this year’s World Malaria Day with a free medical outreach in Akodo-Ise Community, Lekki, where residents received malaria treatment and preventive health services.
The programme, which also included the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, is part of efforts to reduce malaria cases in high-risk communities across the state.
Speaking at the flag-off of the exercise themed “Driven to end malaria: Now we can, now we must,” the Permanent Secretary, Health District III, Monsurat Adeleke, described malaria as a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through infected female mosquitoes.
She said Akodo-Ise was chosen for the intervention following data showing a high malaria positivity rate in the area, with about 40 per cent of fever cases recently recorded testing positive for the disease.
According to her, the findings were presented to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who directed that immediate medical intervention be carried out in the community.
Adeleke explained that the outreach, conducted in collaboration with Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA), involved malaria testing, blood screening, and free treatment for confirmed cases.
She added that residents also benefited from the distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets aimed at preventing further infections.
Beyond malaria care, she said the exercise also included screening for other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, hepatitis B, syphilis, and HIV. Residents also received urinalysis tests, eye examinations with free glasses, and dental care services.
She encouraged residents to make full use of the intervention and ensure proper use of the mosquito nets, noting that community participation is key to achieving lasting reduction in malaria cases.
The Chairman of Lekki LCDA, Rasaki Kasali, represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Dr. Bukola Lawal, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to eliminating malaria through continuous health programmes.
He said similar outreach activities would be sustained to ensure improved public health and better disease prevention in the area.
