RSG Spends N2bn On Malaria Annually - Amaechi

The Rivers State Government says it spends over two billion naira annually on the prevention and treatment of malaria in the state.

The State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi made this known yesterday, while speaking at the one day-summit on Malaria with the theme, “Against the Tide of Malaria” held at the State House of Assembly Auditorium, Port Harcourt .

Governor Amaechi said the huge sums of money spent on Malaria was borne out of the realization of the deadly nature of the disease.

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parkar said statistics showed that 30 out of every 100 children and 11 out of every 100 pregnant women die of Malaria attack annually.

Governor Amaechi stressed the need to build the skills and professionalism needed to provide services in the area, and noted that the state government is building 150 Health Centres across the state as well as providing needed manpower to manage the centres to boost Primary Health care.

He said the government has also purchased one million long lasting insecticides treated nets for children and pregnant women.

The Governor explained that the 150 Health Centres would serve as outlets for the distribution of the facilities and encouraged pregnant women to visit the centres and obtain the nets.

The governor who restated the commitment of government in ensuring good health for the people, expressed appreciation for the effort of multinational companies and other partners in ending the malaria war.

In her speech, the National Coordinator of the National Malaria Control programme, Dr. Yemi Sofola commended the Rivers State Government for its effort in controlling the Malaria scourge in the state.

Dr. Sofola, however, stressed the need for increased financial supports by all tiers of government to enable the programme succeed.

She also called for comprehensive environmental sanitation and behavioral communication change activities to achieve the target set by the year 2010.