Enugu: Health Director Cautions Against Unnecessary Use Of Anti-Malaria Drugs

Dr Uchechukwu Okenwa, Director of Public Health and Disease Control at the Enugu State Ministry of Health, has advised Nigerians to stop taking anti-malaria drugs whenever they have a fever.

Okenwa gave this advice on Saturday during the launch of the Advocacy Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) Core Group for the Malaria Elimination Programme (IMPACT) in Enugu.

The inaugurated group included representatives from the National Orientation Agency, academics, media, traditional rulers, and various ministries and organisations.

Okenwa pointed out that Nigerians often take anti-malaria drugs for any fever without knowing the actual cause, which could be pneumonia, stress, or something else. He explained that not all fevers are caused by malaria, and people should get tested before taking malaria medication.

He also mentioned that even when tests show no malaria, some health workers still treat it as such.  Okenwa explained that testing had been designed so that it would not take days to get results, stressing that within 20 minutes, the result could be ready.

Owoya Samuel, Social Behaviour Change Coordinator for the National Malaria Elimination Programme, urged ACSM members to promote positive behaviour towards preventing and controlling malaria.

Samuel shared that a survey showed that 25 per cent did not have access to a mosquito net, 47 per cent had it but were not using it, while 16 and 14 per cent said the net was not needed at night due to the absence of mosquitos.

He said:

Eight and 10 per cent said the net is dirty and old, respectfully, while 38 per cent said they are not using the net because of hot weather. Environment and nature may inform these decisions.

Also, Dr Ifeoma Otiji, Enugu State Malaria Programme manager, reiterated the state’s commitment to increasing malaria awareness and urged rural dwellers to be informed about the dangers of malaria and the available services.

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