Body Decries Use Of Insecticide Treated Nets

It is now known that out of  the 98 per cent mosquito treated nets so far distributed to households across Rivers State, only 33 per cent are being put into use.

The Executive Director of Canaan Peace Women and Community Development Initiative (CAPWOCODI), Mrs. Christie Iwezor, disclosed this during an anti malaria sensitisation programme of the organisation in partnership with Association of Civil Society Organisation in malaria control, immunization and nutrition and the Society for Family Health at Nonwa in Tai local government area.

Mrs Iwezor, who blamed the situation on ignorance also said that the disease is affecting more pregnant women in the state, while children are also dying of malaria.  She said that, apart from causing deaths among pregnant women and children, the disease is also threatenining to cripple the economy of the state and stressed the need for everyone in the society to join the fight against the malaria scourge.

Mrs Iwezor stressed the need for regular cleanliness and urged pregnant women to use health facilities in their domain by attending inte-natal care regularly.

Also speaking, medical doctor in-charge of Nonwa Health Centre, Dr. Obelle Abe, described malaria as the greatest killer of children in the state.

Dr. Abe warned them against patronising quacks in the area and also implored them to register the aged among them for the free medical programme.

In his speech, the Roll Back Malaria Focal Person in Tai Local Government Area, Mr. Mbulee Asabue, appealed to them to use medical facilities sited in the community in their interest.

The programme was attended by traditional rulers, chiefs, opinion leaders, youths and the women.