From AMEDU JOSEPH, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has assured residents of its commitment to providing the support and enabling environment needed to eliminate malaria in the state.
Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdulazees Adeiza, gave the assurance during a media parley organised by Famkris Healthcare Initiative in collaboration with the Kogi Malaria Elimination Programme to mark the 2026 World Malaria Day.
He declared that Kogi was ready to demonstrate the political will required to support efforts aimed at ending the disease.
The commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Maji Enok, said the present administration maintained an open-door policy to ensure the success of malaria elimination programmes across the three senatorial districts.
He commended the media for its role in disseminating information, creating awareness and sensitising citizens on preventive and curative measures against malaria.
Dr Adeiza also disclosed that the state government had met its obligations by paying counterpart funding to donor agencies supporting the malaria elimination project.
In his goodwill message, Director of the Malaria Elimination Programme, Dr Stephen Ake, disclosed that the team was currently conducting free testing, treatment and distribution of malaria commodities in all 239 wards across the three senatorial districts.
Dr Ake appealed for more partners to support the programme financially.
He said the 2026 focus would include training and recruitment of health personnel, as well as expanded awareness campaigns on malaria prevention.
State Team Leader of Famkris Healthcare Initiative on Malaria Elimination, Dr Salamatu Yahaya, said their operations covered both urban and rural communities.
She urged vulnerable groups and other residents to take advantage of the ongoing malaria service delivery programme.