Ben Ezechime, Enugu
As part of the activities to mark this year’s World Malaria Day, the St. Mary’s Hospital, Enugu, has organised a malaria intervention outreach for old Artisans Community in Enugu North Local Government Area being part of its contributions toward eradicating malaria in the country.
The intervention was organised in partnership with an indigenous group, Umu Igbo Unite Cares (UIUC).
Speaking at the event, the Corporate Community Development Manager of the hospital, Mrs Adaora Ugwonna, said that the intervention was part of the hospital’s strategy of giving back to society.
Ugwonna said that it was also organised to educate the community on the various ways the disease can be prevented.
She underscored the need for the use of treated mosquito nets.
She said that the hospital conducted instant malaria test with many residents proving positive to the disease.
“To mark this year’s World Malaria Day, we have given out free drugs, BP checks and instant anti malaria drugs to more than 200 patients at our facility.
“So, today we are doing same at Artisan Quarters in collaboration with UIUC, an Igbo group in diaspora, to 200 patients.
Ugwonna said that similar gesture targeted at 200 patients would be extended to Obiagu area of the state on Wednesday (today).
In a remark, a representative of UIUC, Ms Faith-Victor Onyekwere, described the group as committed to improving the welfare of the Igbo people through its developmental initiatives, including healthcare accessibility, scholarship and relief.
Onyekwere said that they were in the community to facilitate the accessibility of healthcare services to the residents through its partnership with the hospital.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Comfort Eze, thanked the organisers, particularly for the free screening, drugs and treated mosquito nets.
The World Malaria Day is celebrated annually on April 25 to raise awareness on global efforts to control the spread of the disease and celebrate strides on efforts to eradicate it.
This year’s theme is “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement.”
