By Asma’u Ahmad
The United States Agency for International Department (USAID) is to initiate a comprehensive malaria treatment and prevention programme in Plateau state.
A USAID official, Dr. Jessica Kahuko, made the disclosure when she led a team of the agency’s officials on a courtesy visit to Governor Simon Lalong in Jos.
Dr. Kahuko said the programme would befinanced with the $75 million budgetary provisions of the United States Government for malaria initiatives in 11 states of Nigeria.
The team leader said the decision to intervene in the prevention of malaria in the state was informed by alarming statistics that Plateau has one of highest prevalence in the country.
She added that the team would carry out a need assessment programme to identify gaps in malaria prevention initiatives by the state government.
The USAID team leader stated that the likely areas of intervention includes provision of malaria kits and drugs for pregnant women.
Other areas according to her include training of healthcare workers, distribution of treated mosquito nets and general improvement of the healthcare system, among others.
In his remarks, Governor Lalong said his administration was aware of the high rate of malaria infection in the state and was ready to collaborate with stakeholders to curb the menace.
The governor said the state government has a team of professionals willing to work with the USAID team for a collective task of creating a malaria-free society.
He appreciated the U.S. Agency for its intervention on malaria and HIV in the state.
